Ilona Royce Smithkin: Portraits and Parsons!

Captured by Xenia Veryano

What a treat it was to have the spirited, fabulous, and inspiring 93 year old Ilona Royce Smithkin visit my portrait drawing class critique at Parsons! 

My relationship with Ilona began with these blind contour portraits, so when Kate Teale gave the portrait assignment in our Perception Drawing class this semester, I felt that choosing Ilona was only a proper progression.  

Captured by Xenia Veryano

However, I did not think that just one traditional portrait would adequately describe my colorful, lively, and wonderful friend. So, I sketched many different compositions, trying to get across her expressive nature.

Soon after I began my first painting of her...   

Her first finished portrait! 

The day of the crit finally came!  I walked with Ilona to Parsons.  Here she told me that she calls Pansies 'Mother-in-laws' because they each have different faces/expressions! 

I have to agree :) 

We arrived at the crit!

Some of the class' work...

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Below is Ilona in acrylic paint on the top and left, colored pencil on the right and in black thread and glue on the bottom.

Crit discussion...

My lovely teacher Kate Teale and Ilona!

See their linked names to view their stunning art.

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Preforming :) 

Captured by Xenia Veryano

Thank you for coming Ilona Royce Smithkin!
Captured by Xenia Veryano

Ilona enjoyed her visit immensely, and the class loved meeting her :) what a fun crit it was!

Enjoy the inspiring individuals in your life, 

Margo Isadora

See past posts with Ilona here, here, & here!

Ilona Royce Smithkin: Cabaret Queen

Ilona and I after the show!

What a treat it was to be transported to the Roaring 20’s with Zoe Lewis and the Bootleggers performance at the Laurie Beechman Theatre in Times Square.  I went to see my good friend, Ilona Royce Smithkin, sing in this hit Cabaret show from Provincetown. Boy, was I in for a treat!  Talented performers of all ages graced the stage, from 93 year old Ilona to a middle school girl.  The host of the evening, Zoe Lewis, gave an excellent performance and introduction to each one of these flappers and handsome gents. 

Join this golden night of the flapper with the images and videos below!

Enjoy,

Margo Isadora

There were flapper women...

20's pairs...

dapper gents...

cute young flappers...

and even shirtless devils with bear pants!

See video of the devilish bear above! 

ILONA ROYCE SMITHKIN takes the stage!

See video of this 93 year old star here!

Love that telltale 3" long eyelash you can see!

The closing number to a memorable show.

Joyce Carpati and Ilona both ladies of Advanced Style
talking after the show!
These wonderful women were in the NY post earlier that day!

Ilona singing the night away...

The talented Ilona!

An Afternoon with Advanced Style!

Ari, Me, and two women in his book Carola Vecchio and Ilona Smithkin! 

Ari Cohen is not your average street style fashion photographer.  He is not out looking for the young trendy girls, instead he wanders New York searching for true personal style in the most fashionable and creative older ladies and gentlemen of the city. He believes that personal style advances with age, and he conveys this message through portraits and interviews of these incredible individuals on his blog Advanced Style.  

Ilona Smithkin
Check out those mile long lashes! 

Blind Contour Drawings I did this evening after meeting Ilona

As a longtime follower, it was an absolute treat to meet Ari and my favorite muse of his, Ilona Smithkin, today at Strand Bookstore in the West Village.  It was a small impromptu book signing, which was lovely as I got to chat with Ari and the attendees as well as hear Ilona's wonderful stories!   His blog is filled with unique individuals who I have always felt would be incredible to meet.  After meeting one, I now realize that the videos and pictures don't do justice to how inspiring these people really are. 

I met Tom, a wonderful artist and blogger at the event, see his post for more from the signing.

This video sums up what I love most about Advanced Style!

Ilona has had a whirlwind life, she spoke of her visits to Italy, her work as an artist, and even spoke in her native German with an attendee.  I asked her about her extravagant orange eyelashes, to which she responded that she had them made by a man in Paris for many years. When he passed away, she decided that she would try to make them herself!  After much patience, she has perfected them and has worn the same pair, made from her own locks, for the past 27 years!  There is much more to learn about this inspiring woman, watch her come to life through videos on Advanced Style!

Enjoy learning from these creative, youthful, and spirited souls!
~ Margo Isadora 

Ilona and I!