Untitled 1938 by Mahmoud Said, oil on board – 11.22 inches x 19.60 inches

Born in Alexandria, Egypt (1897-1964) the son of Muhammad Said Pasha who himself was a Prime Minister of Egypt, Mahmoud Said devoted his life to art.  Following on from his law school degree for his career as a judge, Mahmoud continued to perfect his art skills during the 1920’s.  Into his 50’s Mahmoud’s pursuit of creative painting enveloped his very being.

Absolutely unequivocally I would love to own a Mahmoud Said painting.

The untitled painting 1938, above, is a masterpiece.  All his works are masterpieces.  The pathway to winning is the completing of the craft.

“Would you love your child less that they babbled from their beginning to talk?  Or that they stumbled to walk?”  With effort and toil you grow seed.  Nurture.  Guide.  Protect.  Watch them grow.  Blossom fruits and ripen.

The white donkey painted above is repeated by Mahmoud in at least one other composition of his work.  An interesting choice.  Here it is side-profiled and central.  As gloriously painted in its own rare beauty as the regal women and the girl foremost in modesty portrayed.  A fine custom of the peoples.

Mahmoud uses canvas texture and brush work to make paintings come alive.

Every accomplished artist uses their skill in ways that Mahmoud magnificently displays.  I admit that what pleases me about my own work is how light dances throughout the day on my completed canvases.  I laugh to myself with glee whenever I see this effect occurring.  Mostly with landscapes and impressionist scenes.

Textures within Mahmoud’s paintings must be seen to be believed.  Here, we see with digital replication as best we can.  Where technological resolution advances are highly desirable. 

‘A Girl Sitting On The Floor’ (1950) by Mahmoud Said,
signed and dated ‘M.SAID 1950’ –
24 inches x 19¾ inches

With ‘A Girl Sitting On The Floor’ shown above I cannot help think of two-tone Van Gogh backgrounds and Rothko abstracts.  Really, to my mind, this is as interesting as the ‘Mona Lisa’ by Da Vinci for expression.

Perhaps the woman has found childbirth difficult?  Maybe she is tired or sad?  I think she has been working very hard.  Does this elude to her situation?  Please kindly inspect the handling of the yellow wall for its quality.  Goodness me, incredible.

‘Sunset On The Nile At Luxor’ (1945) by Mahmoud Said – oil on canvas, signed and dated ‘M. SAID 1945’ – 25 1/8 inches x 31 3/8 inches

Mahmoud Said – time and again – he incorporates stylistic genius in his compositions.  ‘Sunset On the Nile At Luxor’ is exceptional.  Flowing water, heavily laden boats, a majestic figure and hints at the sun’s light.

Today is art happiness to me having new acquaintance with this exhilarating artwork.  Albeit of digital construct.

Artistic commentaries have poured from my soul in this year of 2015.  I’ve shared my poems new and old, creative stories of fiction contrived, lyrics and sayings renewed alive.  Oil painting on canvas has been difficult for me this year.  A troublesome year for paint art to arrive into my spirit.

The energy required for good art painting is all consuming and almost exclusive within me.  Trying to articulate this the best way.  Sometimes energy ascends to many places as needed.  This takes concerted effort and thought.  Art is everywhere.

It’s the reason I’ve purposed this year for writings rather than painting.

Mahmoud Said’s all encompassing desire to create great art should be inspiring to all artists.  A treasure to behold generation after generation.

The world is often stormy and this year it has been exceeding so.  As I conclude this blog article I think I know the next painting that I shall post.  Hopefully without too much commentary.

Please continue your journey with me.