(from Joni Mitchell Paintings Interview of Joni Mitchell by Rene Engel © KCSN-FM December 21, 1999)
JM: In order -- it's very romantic and in order to get a Valentine's Day release -- I said, "you mean you're not going to put it out for Valentine's Day? You've got to put it out for Valentine's Day! It's so romantic. You have to give me a realistic release to push on everybody so they gave me two weeks. "So I had two weeks and I had to, you know, first I did the front which is the self-portrait. And the reason I -- I didn't know what I was going to do, but they like you to put your picture on the cover. So, you know, okay, so I figure -- they said, put your picture on the cover, that's what people -- they know you're a fine artist, Joan, but put your picture on the cover. So I see this picture lying around, and my drummer, Brian Blade, said, "oh, I like that picture. "I was in my early 30s. And I looked at it and the fold of the sleeve had a heart in it. The way it -- I went, heart on the sleeve, that's romantic, that'll do! So I grabbed it, and then I had to put jowls in it, you know, I had to age the face a little.
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Eleni on :
This painting for me is just Joni. It is evocative of everything she is. I'd love it......or a print if anyone knows how I could get one?
mslkwilson on :
A marvelous painting, so evocative of her work.
I was reminded of the painting, The Yellow Scale by Franz Kupka.
rjsandman on :
Another preorder from me! Would love to hang this in our fireplace room
Joker on :
Blue got me thru the biggest heart break of my life. I would love anything with Joni's signature.
Sasa on :
I, too, would love to get a print. This is my favorite painting/portrait of all times. And, after viewing the painting if her back, facing the bar, I would love a print of it. I can't afford originals, but a reprint would make me happy. Both Sides now I played to and from Co in the 70s along with Paradise....as my ex-slept...Sasa
Gavin on :
Great painting
Anybody know where I can get a print of it
gtrsteve on :
I've struck that very pose many a time during band breaks and just hanging out.
Again, I love the colors.
I really love these paintings.
pancakefrompele on :
I absolutely adore this painting. I love the color, the shading, and the subject (of course). Great balance between light and dark. I also love the sexy/somber expression on her face. Reminds me of the term "ennui." I never noticed the heart on her sleeve. I feel like there might be a double meaning there: Heart because it was a Valentine's Day release, or heart on her sleeve which means there was someone in her life at that time who might have taken advantage of her open heart. Beautiful.
jbp1954 on :
Always loved this painting!
kimmba on :
When I see this painting all I think about is; "...On the back of a cartoon coaster
In the blue TV screen light
I drew a map of Canada
Oh Canada
With your face sketched on it twice..."
How can I get a print of this painting??
Andy on :
I wouls aslo like a copy of this for the wife if any one has any idea how to get a print.
padalugra on :
I have been to this place so many times in my life, minus the cigarette. People stare at you and they think you look lost, when the truth is you have never felt more found.
oprater on :
Sorry, but you all seem to have missed the whole point of this painting. Please go back and view Both Sides 2 (from behind)... sign above the bar says "NO SMOKING"
JGuilbert on :
What if I was having a cigarette with Joni Mitchell, what would I confide to her, were I unabashed, about this painting? (Well, 'to be or not to be..', right?) It's your most superb painting. I liked the one that you did from the seat of the taxi, looking out, which was brilliant. This one, though, shows a sensitivity to all that's sumptuous in Art, and penetrates, rather thoughtfully, the artists themselves. Yearning and solitude. All artists are under the influence of other great artists; how couldn't they be? But it takes one to know that the decision you took to tilt the table forward and distort the parabola of the glass of wine was right on. And the embers of orange in the blue, glowing remote in the obsurity but oh so alive, and the shadows of it in the eyes. The hand is so poignant, and fingers curled, just the little tips showing, brings a flood of emotion and remembrances of youth and tenderness. Yet above all, the appearance, for we must make one; the epiphany, not yet withered, defined: exactly alive.
TKMoore on :
Wonderfully languid pose!
carolwalker on :
this is the most amazing painting,,,I could just look at it forever,,,captures a place I would love to be,,
CatsWhisker on :
A wonderful painting. I would definitely place an order for a print if one became available.
dbregnard on :
Same for me: a good repro, or THE ORIGINAL (there are a lot of banks full of sleepy monney)....
Dana on :
I also love this painting and would love to purchase a print. If anyone can tell me how, that would be wonderful.
michaeltheretired on :
My wife loves this painting and I'm trying (unsuccessfully) to obtain a print. I don't think I can afford the original. Any ideas.