Frida Kahlo's sketchbook/visual diary

In this video I take you inside the book "The Diary of Frida Kahlo: An Intimate Self Portrait. Published by Abradale Press in 1995 (part of Abrams Books) The book is still in print, here is the publishers website: /https:/www.abramsbooks.com/product/diary-of-frida-kahlo_9780810959545/
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[@PaulWalesArt]

I love that you shared this Helen. I've always sort of avoided Frida's work - probably because of the level of popularity around it and the never ending duplications of her self-portraits. Yet this gave some fascinating insights into the person - the area that always draws me in. Well done and I' love your enthusiasm.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh that’s wonderful to know. I’m pleased. Thank you so much. Helen x

[@SimoneWhippArtist]

I watched a documentary about Frida Kahlo. She really was a forward thinking pioneer from my recollection! Her sketchbook/visual diary grabs my attention with the mix of colour that she uses and I also like the words and writing mixed in with the drawings/paintings. Thanks for sharing another inspiring artist Helen. x

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh that’s great, thank you so much Simone xx

[@LittleFrenchHen]

You are the first person to say the WHY, about Frida...as in WHY you like her and WHY her work inspires or fascinates you. I knew of her, of course, since her face is instantly recognisable, but while everyone seems to revere her, and draw her face, nobody until now, has explained why! I'm going to see if that book (or similar) is still available - either online or at the library. It looks like a fascinating read!

[@claireskey5439]

One reason I love Helen as she always explains the Why! Not just the ideas, or tools or how to use things. 🇭🇲💞🎨

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh I’m so glad that came across. Thank you so very much. Helen x

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you. That’s kind x

[@sandraworrall-hart3840]

I absolutely agree about the way Helen explains the why in her presentations.

[@WendyW123]

Definitely a fascinating character whose work was full of symbolisms. Although her work was mostly colourful, I always find myself feeling a sense of darkness and pain when I've really looked at it. I do feel her art is her therapy. It's very personal. Hope this makes some sense 😊

[@HelenWellsArtist]

I think you are absolutely right that there is a lot of pain in her work. Thank you so much for sharing…Helen x

[@bonniemiller3587]

Frida is certainly a fascination to many. Politically diverse, socially diverse and sexually diverse as well! A woman so sure of herself she gave the finger to anyone who dared to taunt her…including her beloved Diego! And her art is just magnificent isnt it? A true trail blazer for women everywhere. I have a few books about her and enjoy using her as an inspiration to the students at our high school who have special needs and are also a diverse and fantastic group of teenagers each struggling with their unique issues. Thank you for the intense desire to find the book Helen. Always the temptress!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you Bonnie, yes she is certainly fascinating…a beguiling, bedecked, broken goddess…I think that’s why she is an icon for so many… fabulous and flawed like us all really…

[@bonniemiller3587]

The book is still available and although it is on glossy paper it is magnificent. What a life she had…and a woman to be admired for sure! It amuses me a little that the iconic pictures of her are with floral wreaths…I’m sure that is not how she saw herself and they are such a deep contrast to the drawings in her book. I suppose we are all quite complex people!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You are so right Bonnie there is a sort of sanitised one dimensional aspect to some of the portraits of Frida today…I much prefer the messy, majestic complex, paradoxical version xxx

[@aylan.6212]

I just bought the same book a couple weeks ago, and get inspired every time I look at it. Her work is so expressive of her emotional life. It's a true visual language.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Yes you are so right. It’s a fascinating book isn’t it…

[@jekalambert9412]

I appreciate your commentary about Frieda's sketchbook and that you showed so much of it while commenting. I first saw the sketchbook in the 1990s but haven't looked at it for a number of years. What strikes me most is the loose spontaneous nature of the sketchbook vs the extraordinarily detailed nature of her paintings. I can see why you're inspired by this personal look at Frieda and her life.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Thank you for the is thoughtful comment, you’re so right there is a real loose spontaneity within its pages…🩷

[@gayleyip6689]

Thanks for this video. I ordered this book and can't wait to give it to my art friend.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh what a lovely friend you are! Thank you for the kind comment x

[@dianekhamilton]

Wouldn’t it be fabulous if all artists had such a sketchbook? I would love to see others.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh that’s great, thank you xx

[@nathaliecrestois9156]

thank you for introducing us to this book

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You're so welcome! thank you for the kind comment x

[@SevenUnwokenDreams]

Incredible! Thank you for sharing!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh thank you so much for that! Helen x

[@craftbird1]

Visited her exhibition in London a couple of years ago. Mixed feelings about her work. She is an icon.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Her work definitely elicits mixed feelings…it’s very raw and confronting at times…

[@dianekhamilton]

Helen, I’m guessing you might enjoy the journals of Dan Eldon, artist and activist, who was killed in Somalia while working as a Reuters photojournalist. His are fascinating and certainly not typical art.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Ohh I love a recommendation, thank you so much. I’ll definitely look him up, thank you so much xx

[@aboveboard4914]

Fascinating! She was a die hard communist. She dated Trotsky and later became a Stalinist, but that is rarely mentioned. I didn't know about this book, thanks for sharing Helen! 😊

[@HelenWellsArtist]

She certainly had a fascinating life…xx

[@gaildoughty6799]

I love this book so much! I go over it and over it. Also love any book by/about Chagall.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Yes! Love Chagall too… I must dig out my book on him as well.. thank you for the reminder x

[@isabelpatchett9356]

Hello Helen thank you for sharing once again absolutely loved it. I am always amazed by what you come up with and the colours are so beautiful. I too sit down and go through my beautiful art books that I have collected over many years looking for ideas.. Thanks for the information of how you are now taking off the masking tape I have many times over the years finished my painting / drawings and then ruined it by ripping thepaper when taking it off so many thanks will be taking your advice. Thanks once again. Isabel

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh you are very kind Isabel. Thank you for the cheerleading! I very much appreciate it. Love Helen x

[@dianehinson2170]

Thank you for sharing this Helen. What a fascinating book by a fascinating artist and woman. She is such an Inspiration. So resilient.😮

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Wonderful! Thank you so much Diane.. glad you liked it x

[@danyknopf5259]

Thank you! She is a fascinating women!

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh my pleasure, she is indeed.... x

[@krissy2321]

Thank you for sharing Helen 💛

[@HelenWellsArtist]

You are so welcome! Thank you 🙏🏼

[@stockholmpearlsandviews4772]

I recommend the film about her life. I am making my way through your book which I like a lot, inspiring! Now I am getting over the painful dental work I will be starting your course which I signed up to. Looking forward to it.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh wonderful I will check it out! Oh and thank you for your kind enthusiasm for my book, I do so hope you enjoy the class and do shout if you have any questions. Love Helen x

[@rikadehombreux4573]

💖💖💖

[@SB-lm2mg]

This is fascinating! I never knew such a thing existed! Her drawings have such a strong Aztec or tribal influence. I will have to see if i can find an edition at my local library. 🤔

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed it. The book is still imprint so I hope you can find it at the library! Love a library xx

[@claireskey5439]

Dear Helen 💞 Thanks a bunch for the book share. 😍📚 Kind of comes across to me, like screw it just do it. Anything you want to put in your 'Sketchbooks', just put it in. Non structured or something. I've saved this video to my playlits so I shan't need to buy the book.🤭Much love always. See you soon.🇭🇲💞📚🎨✏🖌🖍🖋📏💞

[@HelenWellsArtist]

I think you are spot on, a sketchbook is a personal space to be you…

[@claireskey5439]

@@HelenWellsArtist Thanks Helen. I have a problem that I'm way too neat in my Sketchbooks. 🤭📚✏🤷‍♀️🇭🇲💞

[@brigitteshantieaglemeare4350]

I can see why her scet hbook appeals to you Helen. I do see similarities there.

[@HelenWellsArtist]

Oh well that is a big compliment, thank you x