Interpretations of Rousseau

Swirling Green, copyright Nina Leung, 2013

Rousseau's tropical atmosphere is fun to mimic and interpret as my own. I loved using rich colors and a lot of greens. Just as Rousseau does, I wanted to make everything look fertile and juicy and rich. That's what I was going for. My 3.5 year old son, Gio got involved as well, making a Rousseau-inspired collage. He enjoys making art with me!

Nourishing Leaves, copyright Nina Leung, 2013

Rousseau's Blooms, copyright Nina Leung, 2013

Linked Leaves, copyright Nina Leung, 2013

Feathered Tropics, copyright Nina Leung, 2013

Rousseau's Collage, copyright Gio Leung, 2013

Rousseau in the Natural World

Would you believe that these photographs were taken in Las Vegas? Yes, Las Vegas. It's true. Any tourist visiting Las Vegas must see one of the most extravagant and over the top hotels that houses a constantly rotating, gorgeously designed garden. It's inside the Bellagio Hotel. I know what you're thinking. "Rousseau and Las Vegas? That's crazy!" Under normal circumstances, I would think the same thing, but, look how beautiful it is here. The garden is lush and green and tropical. It completely evokes the exoticism of Rousseau's paintings. It's easy to picture monkey's frolicking in the trees and among the flowers. It's Rousseau all the way!

Objects from Rousseau's Tropical Imagination

Each of these Rousseau-inspired objects have been photographed with a printing of a fish that my boys Gio and Eamon did. It's a Japanese art form called Gyotaku. The images and colors remind me of Rousseau and they make the perfect background for the objects I've chosen.

The flounder above is pictured with a journal my sister Teresa gave me. 

A bass with a turtle pendant I bought at Anthropologie. 

A piranha with an ikat scarf I bought in Khotan, China. 

An angel fish with a wooden decorative object I bought in Kashgar, China.

Another piranha with a bowl of marbles.

Dressing in Rousseau's Tropical Imagination

Inspired by Rousseau by ninamleung featuring bottega veneta tote

FAIR+true peplum top, $115 / Paul & Joe / Bottega Veneta tote / Lulu Frost bangle bracelet / Lace jewelry / Banana Republic fedora hat / Guerlain / BALENCIAGA L'Essence / Color Club Fiesta Collection

This is what I imagine wearing while living in a Rousseau painting. There must be color, especially green, accents of warm colors, a hat for the sun, and sandals to keep cool. 

Henri Rousseau and his Tropical Imagination

I've always loved Henri Rousseau. When I saw this work for this first time in real life, I loved it even more. The canvas is so verdant and luscious. I felt like I could smell the rich soil and feel the humidity in the air. What makes him more incredible is that he created these sumptuous tropical environments and yet never left France. He had a truly great imagination.

This particular painting, Tropical Forest with Monkeys, is a favorite. The scale is so confusing and the composition is a bit off (all those large scale red leaves in the foreground!) and yet it works so beautifully. I don't even like monkeys (they scare me!) and yet I still love the strong atmosphere of this painting. I would love to smell those flowers, drink the cool water, and wave Hello to the monkeys.