Paintings of the Stars - Henry Fonda

Henry Fonda; 1963

I found a half article about Henry Fonda and his painting.  He began experimenting with pastels while filming Mister Roberts.  Self-taught, he found his own techniques such as working from the left-top corner down, so that the drawing is not smudged.  His favorite painting technique, according to this source, is drybrush.

Henry Fonda; 1963

His technique is simple, a slight pencil sketch which he erases as he goes, and then he digs right in and paints.  Several of Henry Fonda's paintings (or copies of them at least) are around.  Fonda lists his major painting influences as William Harnett, Andrew Wyeth, and Dutch realist painters.
[Source:  Henry Fonda: a Bio-Bibliography; Greenwood Publishing; 1992; p 54]

Christina's World; Andrew Wyeth; 1948

I think Fonda made quite a lovely picture.  I haven't been able to find out where the particular painting from this Life photograph session ended up, but I'd be curious to know.  If anyone has the answer, please be sure to share it.

A Study Table; William Hemett; 1882

Henry Fonda's Eye

"Henry Fonda underwent an eye operation after finishing his stint on The Lady Eve" (Film Fun, 1941)

What 100 Stars Want in 1956 - Dorothy Malone

Dorothy Malone (born January 30, 1925) seemed to have a glamour revolution in the 1950s. I was really nervous when I looked her filmography, really hoping that Basic Instinct, the last film she appeared in, wasn't the only film I have seen her in. Thankfully though she was the Acme Book Shop Proprietress in The Big Sleep. What did dear Dorothy wish for 1956?

"Personally, I'd like my family out here in California with me instead of back in Dallas, Texas."

"Professionally, I'd like a good comedy role." - Don't think the above pic is from a comedy role, but it is Dorothy with Henry Fonda.

"Peace for everybody. If enough citizens think this way, maybe it will come true."

Favorite Foods of Famous Stars: Margaret Sullivan

Oscar-nominated actress Margaret Sullavan (May 16 1909 or 1911 - Jan 1 1960) provides today's dish. And as the cookbook says, she will be dignifying the meat roll. I'm gonna assume it's like meatloaf (hoping at least). So with that said, here is her meal plan: Norge Luncheon Meat Roll, Buttered Green Beans, Sauteed Egg Plant, Crisp Lettuce Salad, Sullavan Fruit Pie, and the Beverage of your choice. I 'm surprised she didn't say Coffee like most of the other starlets. Margaret's meal sounds pretty good. I've never had Egg Plant, but I would probably eat this meal.

Margaret lead a troubled life. She grew up with a muscular weakness that kept her away from others until she was six. Wonderfully though, she became a social butterfly in middle school and high school. She got her start as part of the Harvard Dramatic Society, against her parents wishes. Margaret arrived in Hollywood May 16, 1933. Margaret appeared in several films, many of which involved her pairing with Jimmy Stewart. For a more in depth bio, check out: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Margaret_Sullivan

Margaret had 4 husbands. I bet you've heard of at least one of them. They include: Henry Fonda, William Wyler, Leland Hayward, and Kenneth Wagg

Margaret Sullivan apparently had a really strong personality. It was said that she was one of the only people that made Louis B. Mayer quake in his boots. Her anger it was said by some contributed to the death of Sam Wood. Margaret and Sam had a violent argument, and he had a heart attack after it. Yikes!

Unfortunately this strong woman had a sad end. She overdosed on barbiturates on January 1, 1960. It was deemed accidental. As a macabre side note, two of her three children committed suicide, her daughter Bridget at age 21 only 8 months after her mother and her son Bill in 2008 at the age of 66. Poor troubled souls.