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Barbie & The Little Black Dress: An Aha! Moment

Judy Ragagli

Barbie & The Little Black Dress: An Aha! Moment
People often ask me, “Don’t you get sick of painting Barbie?” My obvious answer is no. The journey of painting Barbie is never boring and each painting is always challenging. The painting and art process is an ever-changing journey…. mistakes are made, colors go wrong, and life happens. As artists, hopefully, we find a certain rhythm where we do our best work and where we find our “inner voice,” “light-bulb moments.” and “aha! moments.” I believe all of this comes in time and often at times when we least expect it. -It sort of just hits us, and then it all comes together.

Barbie and The Year You Were Born: The Very Vintage 1959 - the Sixties

Judy Ragagli

Barbie and The Year You Were Born: The Very Vintage 1959 - the Sixties
Happy Birthday Barbie!   Barbie turns 61 on March 9, 2020.  This day commemorates Barbie's actual birth date when she made made her spectacular debut at the New York Toy Fair in 1959.  She wore a striped black and white strapless bathing suit, black high-heeled open-toed heels, and gold hoop earrings. When I first began painting oils of Barbie, I only painted the vintage Barbies from 1959 through the Sixties.  Many people have asked me why I only paint the vintage Barbies from that specific decade.   I love the hairstyles, wardrobe, and makeup, but, mainly I love the seriousness of her expression.  -She always seemed to know something I didn't.  She looks thoughtful, moody, and sophisticated.  Scroll through the collection below to see what vintage Barbie looked like the year you were born during 1959 to 1969.

 


Christie Barbie: Celebrating Black History Month

Judy Ragagli

Christie Barbie:  Celebrating Black History Month
We celebrate Black History Month to recognize the sacrifices, contributions, and achievements of African Americans to the United States and the world.  During the civil rights movement, 1968 welcomed Christie into the Mattel family, Barbie's first African American friend.

Getting Ready for A Solo Art Show: A Walk Down Memory Lane & Lessons I Learned

Judy Ragagli

Getting Ready for A Solo Art Show:  A Walk Down Memory Lane & Lessons I Learned
Getting ready for a solo art show can be quite nerve-wracking and exciting at the same time. I always liked group shows better because it was less pressure. For group shows, you usually show 1 or a few pieces. For a solo show, the focus is entirely on your best work.

When I was first approached by the gallery owner for a solo show, I could tell the gallery owner had confidence in me and my work, but, I wasn't sure if I had confidence in myself. I doubted myself for several reasons, some real, some fabricated. I knew this was a great opportunity to challenge myself and get my work out into the world on a larger scale. I decided to handle it like this: Have the best work completed on time and promote the work all in a timely, professional matter.

Holiday Barbie!

Judy Ragagli

Holiday Barbie!
No holiday would be complete without Barbie and 1988 marked the beginning of Mattel releasing a special Barbie for the Holidays. Holiday Barbie quickly became an instant sensation and each edition of Holiday Barbie delighted fans and was anticipated every holiday season. The Holiday Barbie was one of the most popular series of all time and upon their release each year, the dolls quickly sold out and became highly collectible. Below is a compilation of Holiday Barbie beginning in 1988 through 2019. Enjoy!