tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22809688926792250602024-02-19T06:27:19.577-08:00Fine Art CommissionsSpecialists in bespoke portrait commissions by Europe's leading portrait artists.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-47706533047275441072017-09-27T02:03:00.001-07:002017-09-27T02:05:49.479-07:00PORTRAITS IN FILM: Commissions for Tulip Fever<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> Unusual commissions are often the most exciting as well as the
most challenging, and this was no exception for the Tulip Fever enquiry we received
in 2014. The film needed 3-5 large portraits to be painted as the main props for
the film, additionally they also wanted a number of preparatory sketches and
works ‘in progress’ to be filmed as part of the artist’s sketch book. We put
forward Jamie Routley and Rosalie Watkins for the projects, and since the film
has been released, they have kindly answered a few questions to provide us with
a window into the world of film and what it is like to work on a portrait which
has such a different purpose to the commissions they receive more regularly. </span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>1.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->What film were you commissioned to
work on?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Tulip Fever.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: Tulip Fever.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst">
<i><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">(Tulip
Fever is a Tom Stoppard adaption of the book written by Deborah Moggach. Set in 17th century Amsterdam, Sophia (Alicia Vikander), an orphaned girl,
is pressured into marrying a wealthy merchant,Cornelius (Christoph Waltz), to
rescue her from a life of poverty. A painter named Jan (Dane Dehaan), is
commissioned by Cornelius to paint the couple, which leads to a passionate
affair between Jan and Sophia.)<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>2.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Who was the subject of your portrait and what
was their role in the film?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: I painted a double portrait of
Christoph Waltz and Alicia Vikander playing Cornelius and Sophia, which is the
main piece of the film. I also painted Sophia
with a Tulip and a Vanitas Still Life of a Semper Augustus Tulip. (A Vanitas painting is a style of Still Life very
popular in the Netherlands during the beginning of 17<sup>th</sup> century. They were used to remind viewers of
traditional Christian values of earthly life, their own mortality and the
futility of worldly pursuits.)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<img height="320" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97d45f_b716d0b4bc7047cea3b73d9581df7242~mv2_d_1224_1632_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_945,h_1260,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/97d45f_b716d0b4bc7047cea3b73d9581df7242~mv2_d_1224_1632_s_2.webp" width="240" /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> © Jamie Routley</span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #990000; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">RW: I was doing
drawings and paintings of Alicia Vikander as Sophia, working on figurative
sketches which would make up Jan’s sketchbook.</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn1DRrywMV7siWAWCetJLztCFnsBAvVvrAUyJvlgJcOc_dCwhmZzuIBx729c4GdK3p-Skv44UGV6C8Rk1MTzsNLTzJjHDESCkffnOQuafxEPAXC2bjnUv3Eam1ERgTUY4bEXiDLkOutvP/s1600/tulip+fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn1DRrywMV7siWAWCetJLztCFnsBAvVvrAUyJvlgJcOc_dCwhmZzuIBx729c4GdK3p-Skv44UGV6C8Rk1MTzsNLTzJjHDESCkffnOQuafxEPAXC2bjnUv3Eam1ERgTUY4bEXiDLkOutvP/s320/tulip+fever.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOn1DRrywMV7siWAWCetJLztCFnsBAvVvrAUyJvlgJcOc_dCwhmZzuIBx729c4GdK3p-Skv44UGV6C8Rk1MTzsNLTzJjHDESCkffnOQuafxEPAXC2bjnUv3Eam1ERgTUY4bEXiDLkOutvP/s1600/tulip+fever.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">(still from trailer)</span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u><br /></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>3.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Had you read the original book beforehand?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: I read the script and the book
in a weekend. I enjoyed both and could
see how well the book would translate to screen.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">RW: Sadly not,
filming had already started when I was commissioned and there was a lot of time
pressure.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">They explained why the work
was needed and what it should convey, so I just worked to the brief.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>4.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How were you chosen for the commission?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: The production company contacted
Fine Art Commissions and outlined what they were looking for. Fine Art Commissions then put me forward for
the project, showed them some of my past works, and it went from there.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">RW: The film company
approached Fine Art Commissions needing figure and portrait drawings for the
film, and I had examples of these in my portfolio from my classical
training.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">For the film I worked on a lot
of quick, intimate studies of Sophia (Alicia Vikander) to demonstrate the
artist's obsession with his subject.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>5.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->How many sittings were you able to have and
how long did they last?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: I’d worked out that I would need
a minimum of 3 sittings each lasting 3 hours for Christoph and Alicia’s head
studies. I could then work from body
doubles for the rest of the portrait. As
it turned out, both Christoph and Alicia were kind enough to give me more time
than this which was exceptionally helpful, especially with their busy
schedules.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: I had one
sitting with Alicia and then worked from body doubles and reference photos. It
was a fun challenge having to produce a lot of drawings very fast, a different
kind of energy to normal commissioned portraiture which is a slower process. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><u><b>6.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Where did the sittings take place?</b></u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: red; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Mainly in my studio in
Battersea, however I had one full day with Christoph in Berlin and also a day
on set to paint the floor tiles into the main portrait.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: A mixture of my
studio, and some brilliant days working at Pinewood on set, and in the props
and art department - a really inspiring place to spend time. They are insanely creative
and clever with all the materials they work with, and it was really fun seeing
them transform some of my drawings and paintings - the works were going to be
handled quite a lot on set so they had to reproduce them by putting them onto
various pieces of antiquated paper and vellum etc. it was also fun seeing the
drawings being treated functionally, as props, rather than fine art, somehow
quite liberating!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<img height="209" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97d45f_d7dca6a30a6c40f2950be229b539f12f~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_945,h_628,al_c,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/97d45f_d7dca6a30a6c40f2950be229b539f12f~mv2.png" width="320" /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> © Jamie Routley</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>7.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span>How does the process of painting an actor who
is playing a character, differ from painting a normal portrait?</u></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Alicia went straight into
character from the very first sitting which proved invaluable. She built Sophia’s character through the
sittings, from vulnerable and scared, to more confident towards the end (as she
would on set) which allowed me to capture Sophia’s character. This was accomplished through subtle tweaks
in the eyebrow’s and mouth. The final sitting was very important. Alicia came straight
from set so I could paint her with full hair and make-up. The adjustments I made went straight onto the
main canvas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Christoph was also brilliant at
staying in character throughout, and he had some good suggestions for the pose
which were exactly what I had had in mind.
We decided that his elbow should be pointing out, as this was the
classic pose of wealthy merchants painted during that period. His ruff had not been finished yet, so I had
to leave the area blank until it was ready at his last sitting. This was just before the last day of filming,
and the time when I also painted a second sketch documenting his hair and beard
which had been grown and styled for filming.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; color: #990000; float: left; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="145" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97d45f_76321a150628405eb193dfe89c158861~mv2_d_2048_1491_s_2.jpg/v1/fill/w_945,h_688,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/97d45f_76321a150628405eb193dfe89c158861~mv2_d_2048_1491_s_2.webp" width="200" /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white;"></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;"> © Jamie Routley</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: A lot of the
work I was doing was on the figure, and actors are so used to using their body
as a language to portray emotions, which makes them really expressive figure
models. This was amplified because we had a particular story to tell, which is
not something I'd done before, a reason to produce a series based around
certain feelings which were fictional and dictated by someone else. Super fun.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>8.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Was this challenging? </u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR:
Definitely different, I had never painted someone acting a character
before. In my normal portrait sittings
one of the most important parts is the conversations I have with the sitter, as
it lets you get you to know them more and this has a huge impact on the final
painting. With this commission the
process was not quite as straight forward!</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: It was, because
there was such a specific criteria to fill and a style to adhere to, that I
wasn't even sure of, until we found agreement in it with the production
team! Normally with art you're trying to
make something personal from you, so this was the total opposite to that.</span></span><br />
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -17.85pt;"><br /></span></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="text-indent: -17.85pt;">9.)</span><span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal; text-indent: -17.85pt;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -17.85pt;">Was the portrait filmed in various stages of
completion for the film? If so, why?</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: The
portrait was photographed at different stages of completion by the company
Prudence Cuming. They are experts in art
photography and I have used them for many portraits in the past when clients
want a copy of a portrait. The
photographs were printed onto canvas, 10 were made for each stage, and these
were used in filming takes in case Dane Dehaan wanted to paint straight on the
canvas during a scene, they would then spare (if needed) for the next take.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: No, the sketches
were are all in fairly early stages as they were part of Jan’s sketch book, so
in that sense it was quite straightforward as they were all meant to be ‘in
progress’.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">10.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Did you
feature in the film, were any of the detailed shots of the artist in the film
painting of you?</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: red;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> JR: I do not feature in the film but
the director, Justin Chadwick, the costume designer, Michael O’Connor and the
very gifted Cinematographer, Eigil Bryld did come to my studio to observe the
‘sitting process’ so that it could be accurately represented in the film. I know that these visits did had an impact on
the choreography of the paintings scenes, as well as on Dane, who played Jan.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: No, only my drawings and
paintings featured.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>11.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Were you
needed on set to teach the actor how to paint a portrait?</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Dane spent a great deal of time
in the studio observing me work and learning how to handle paint himself. I think it was highly beneficial to him to
see the amount of work both physically and mentally is required to make a
painting. To get his hand used to
applying paint and holding his palette I would have him do things like
paint the background on the main painting, the initial layers that
is, staying well clear of the portraits! (no offence Dane). Watching the monitors on set and seeing his
character come to life, recognising some of my own mannerisms, the way I
hold my palette etc... this was one of those memorable moments in
life.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: There was a
scene where Jan (Dane DeHaan) draws Sophia (Alicia Vikander), and I was an 'art
consultant' for the day - showing Dane the drawing technique, how the charcoal
would have been held, and how to draw on the page.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">12.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Were you
asked to advise on framing?</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> JR: Not really, I remember discussing it a bit. But
they had just recreated 1630's Amsterdam at Pinewood, complete houses inside
and out including streets, so I was fairly confident that the set decorators
would know exactly what was needed. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">RW: No, everything was going to be part of Jan’s
sketchbook so no framing was needed.</span></span><br />
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>1</u></b><b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>3.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Did you
receive feedback from the production company about the portrait?</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Yes I did. They had seen the head studies and
the work in progress so I knew that they were excited and pleased. The main
double portrait was delivered to the studio and installed on set overnight
ready for filming at 8am. I received two call's at around 7.30am, one from
the Director Justin Chadwick and the other from Simon Elliot the head of Art
Production, both expressing their overwhelming appreciation and gratitude for
the work. That was a nice moment, I was grateful for the call. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: There was a lot
of dialogue backwards and forwards, I'd do a drawing, send a photo to the art
team who would show it to Justin Chadwick (the director), who would then say
how to alter the pose... at one stage we were channelling Rembrandt meets Egon
Schiele!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<u style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b><br /></b></u>
<u style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><b>14.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Did the
subject of your portrait enjoy the sittings?</b></u></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR:
I like to think so. Alicia was very studious and interested in the painting
process, it seemed to me that her antenna was up and she was taking everything
in. Christoph was sceptical at first,
however once I stated my case as to why I work the way I do, things could not
have been better. A charming, witty and
intelligent man. The conversations were always stimulating and I found his
honesty refreshing. His parents were set
and costume designers at a time when you had to be able to draw, they were
artists, and I think this added to his interest.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW:
I only had one sitting with Alicia, but I enjoyed it and hope she did.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img height="320" src="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/97d45f_1cba689ce179455dbeebe9dbb618d298~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_945,h_1289,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01/97d45f_1cba689ce179455dbeebe9dbb618d298~mv2.webp" width="234" /></span><span style="clear: left; float: left; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: xx-small;"> © Jamie Routley</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">15.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Where are
the portraits now?</span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> JR: I own the head studies
of Christoph and Alicia, but the film company has the main paintings. I have no
idea where they are and will likely never see them again. The night I had supper with Christoph in
Berlin he said the in the end the paintings would be “mere props”, he wasn’t
being offensive, but kind, and correct.
This helped me to be less sensitive about where the finished paintings
would end up post production.</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> RW: I don't think
I've got any of the originals… Either in storage with the set .. or in the bin
..?!</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>16.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Have you
stayed in touch with people from the film?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #351c75;">JR: I have remained firm friends
with Dane and we are still in touch today.
His work ethic is solid and his hunger to challenge himself is what I
think will keep him interesting in years to come. </span><span style="color: red;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #990000;">RW: no, it was a lovely working
environment though, and everyone I had contact with was extremely helpful.</span><span style="color: #00b050;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><b><u>17.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->Would you
like to work on a similar project again?</u></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Absolutely, without question. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: I'd love it, it
is a completely different experience to my normal commissioning process, and
was inspiring to be amongst all the talented people who work in film.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>18.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Is there a
story of an artist, or portrait, that you would like to see in film?</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: Caravaggio stands out as an extreme character
who's life would suit the screen. There have been some excellent books, mainly
conspiracy theories surrounding his death that I could see making it to the
screen. Derek Jarman made a very interesting and beautiful movie called
"Caravaggio" although I must point out that this is a fictionalised
film that uses Caravaggio and his work, as well as real characters from that
period. Rembrandt has the rags to riches story along with gut wrenching
tragedy that could be powerful on screen. The screenplay would have to be a
masterpiece to do him justice. Again there has been a movie made in the 1930's
called Rembrandt starring Charles Laughton that I am very fond of. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: I'm excited to
see the film about Giacometti, I love his work. I find it so special that we
could have insights into the lives of artists, their process and stories, I'd
find anyone's fascinating.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -18pt;">19.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><span style="color: #222222; text-indent: -18pt;">What are you working on at the moment?</span></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; color: red;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: I have a number of portraits and other
paintings on the go as well as plans for new paintings. In particular, I am
working on two large portraits, both quite different. One is being painted on
location, at the moment I have made two studies, a small but precise
composition for the final painting and then a life size head study. I am just
about to start transferring this information to the large canvas before
transporting the canvas to the sitter’s house to finish on site. The other is a
very interesting full-length portrait which is being painted in my studio, I
can't really go into the narrative of either painting just yet. I've also
been working with some lovely children, as well as painting my young daughter
(19 months old); this is a whole different skill set that I am learning but I
am enjoying the lesson. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #00b050;"><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: I'm just
finishing two quite large formal portraits, one for Oxford University and one
the Institution of Civil Engineers, both handing over this week ..fingers
crossed! </span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u><br /></u></b>
<b style="font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; text-indent: -18pt;"><u>20.)<span style="font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span>Is there a
person you would like to paint that you have not yet had the chance to?</u></b></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #351c75; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">JR: I'm inspired by people I find interesting, more
than just an interesting face. So based on that I would say someone like Sam
Harris (American author, philosopher and neuroscientist, he has a very
important, challenging podcast called "waking up" that I would urge
anyone to listen to). Of course there are popular figures, actors etc... I'd be
drawn to those whose work I admire. Comedians would make for fascinating
studies as well.</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle">
<span style="background-color: white; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="color: #990000; font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">RW: So many… Maybe
Christopher Walken right now?!</span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-57665123012873408152017-08-21T23:43:00.000-07:002017-08-21T23:56:17.870-07:00Why Contemporary Portraiture is Important<div class="MsoNormal">
In a time where social media and electronic communication
have become the norm, the idea of commissioning a portrait still seems to be incredibly
alluring, and we thought we would offer a few reasons as to why this might be... </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before technology began its journey to world domination, portraiture
was an invaluable way of documenting historical figures, and transmitting them to
the current, and future, generations. Thomas
Lawrence’s portrait of <i>‘Queen Charlotte’ </i>(image
below) may not have delivered him the Queen’s favour but it did show us a side
of the monarch which would never have been revealed had Lawrence been more
sensitive to his subject’s vanity. Sadly
the painting was not accepted by his sitter, and the painting remained with Lawrence. From then on he decided to flatter his
sitters a little more in order to keep a constant stream of commissions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEoWV4ok3kYlZw06tc5btl8kepfqsF5s2L04EZVm6r76bLd51J58mSiK8TMVqzRefH03li4zdu06eIkBanm6wU-tfbwEmXZCyqvpuliULfQySCGFuMY0FsizIZOCq0Y4_-BePwWNxc-7m/s1600/Q.+Charlotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="519" data-original-width="317" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglEoWV4ok3kYlZw06tc5btl8kepfqsF5s2L04EZVm6r76bLd51J58mSiK8TMVqzRefH03li4zdu06eIkBanm6wU-tfbwEmXZCyqvpuliULfQySCGFuMY0FsizIZOCq0Y4_-BePwWNxc-7m/s200/Q.+Charlotte.jpg" width="121" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<v:shapetype coordsize="21600,21600" filled="f" id="_x0000_t75" o:preferrelative="t" o:spt="75" path="m@4@5l@4@11@9@11@9@5xe" stroked="f">
<v:stroke joinstyle="miter">
<v:formulas>
<v:f eqn="if lineDrawn pixelLineWidth 0">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 1 0">
<v:f eqn="sum 0 0 @1">
<v:f eqn="prod @2 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="prod @3 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @0 0 1">
<v:f eqn="prod @6 1 2">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelWidth">
<v:f eqn="sum @8 21600 0">
<v:f eqn="prod @7 21600 pixelHeight">
<v:f eqn="sum @10 21600 0">
</v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:f></v:formulas>
<v:path gradientshapeok="t" o:connecttype="rect" o:extrusionok="f">
<o:lock aspectratio="t" v:ext="edit">
</o:lock></v:path></v:stroke></v:shapetype><v:shape alt="Image result for queen charlotte, thomas lawrence" id="Picture_x0020_2" o:spid="_x0000_i1033" style="height: 170pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 104pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Image result for queen charlotte, thomas lawrence" src="file:///C:/Users/Rosie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image001.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;">Queen Charlotte, by Sir Thomas Lawrence, 1789, oil on canvas,
239.5cm x 147cm </span><span style="line-height: 107%;">©</span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> National
Gallery, London</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today, with the help of an unlikely accomplice in photography,
portrait painters are less inclined, or socially bound, to flatter their
subjects. Photography and videos
document people daily, and because of this, portraits are naturally compared to photographs of the sitter for verification as to whether the painting is a good likeness. The artist has more pressure
than ever before to paint an accurate representation, or face a rather
short-lived career. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jzAbBQzzT3zB1N4kWOCzpu1ywNjOShiyWS2EinjXOhwFp3Itnu1TZSMsyOsXiIh-C8f9MIEiSYgaQg5OIUY0UVfffzw-BcBACAVZth3ASjY2wnU8KqsnqFA3nKOxvG5oVUv5x5ZcBy_/s1600/Dean.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="675" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm0jzAbBQzzT3zB1N4kWOCzpu1ywNjOShiyWS2EinjXOhwFp3Itnu1TZSMsyOsXiIh-C8f9MIEiSYgaQg5OIUY0UVfffzw-BcBACAVZth3ASjY2wnU8KqsnqFA3nKOxvG5oVUv5x5ZcBy_/s200/Dean.png" width="148" /></a><v:shape id="Picture_x0020_10" o:spid="_x0000_i1032" style="height: 170pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 127.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="" src="file:///C:/Users/Rosie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image002.png">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"> </span> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlT1_m8ylRLQx-hTUh5GRa5JHVPk6QzUqt4IA79kYuTprZJh-8JJAEObUSpX-LNeOvEg4h3KXztHz4fxn4tthhD8IYqVtvZO5BaTfSqxCVRNacGSnF8vZ0oM3F0Ja2oN7wZHIYmgMNQCc/s1600/JC+Girl.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="290" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizlT1_m8ylRLQx-hTUh5GRa5JHVPk6QzUqt4IA79kYuTprZJh-8JJAEObUSpX-LNeOvEg4h3KXztHz4fxn4tthhD8IYqVtvZO5BaTfSqxCVRNacGSnF8vZ0oM3F0Ja2oN7wZHIYmgMNQCc/s200/JC+Girl.png" width="165" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">The
Dean of Westminster, by Nick Philipps, Lady,
by Jamie Coreth, oil on canvas, 2016<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">oil
on canvas, 2012</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Photography provides a ‘quick-fix’ kind of portrait which
can be captured by everyone. This has actually increased the popularity of painting a portrait from life by highlighting the rare talent needed to do
this. A method adopted by some of
history’s greatest portraitists, including Titian, Sargent, Velázquez
and Lawrence is the sight-size technique.
The method instructs the artist to place the sitter and the canvas side
by side, allowing the artist to view both from a measured distance and translate
the sitter onto the canvas, checking proportions and accuracy as they go. The
portraits above by Nicky Philipps and Jamie Coreth are two accomplished examples
of modern day practitioners of the sight-size technique. Their portraits are
accurate, full of depth and have a healthy amount of paint applied to them –
another benefit to the method is that the artist gains confidence in using lots
of paint making the portraits more sumptuous with full, dominant brushstrokes. To a sitter, the idea of being painted by an
artist using such a historical technique practised by artists of the past adds more than
just an element of romance, it feels like you are also taking a place in
history. With the speed of every day life constantly
accelerating, there is also a push toward that which is not instantaneous, and
the gentle, organic process of portrait sittings could not embody this more.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Nowadays having a therapist is as normal as having a
bath, and a portrait painter is essentially your therapist with a paint brush. No phones, no gadgets, no internet, just you
and another person in a room talking, listening to music, or sitting in
silence. A rare occurrence in our era,
but somehow even the most high-powered businessmen obey the ‘no phone rule’ and
embrace the peace and quiet for the two hour sessions. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaOlh1AGSk7yS2Gv4O-ysWcs88m4ueG1FZbwi9NrM93066N3F3UlLCLxIVJrpQQBbasPdzR4f1TdcHLEhlPAztVI4cp7xNDuZ8woxyZd_UgsM_clqfsArcC_4r3RgvpmKPx3vLZHV6MWM/s1600/Richard+Morris+1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="762" data-original-width="613" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuaOlh1AGSk7yS2Gv4O-ysWcs88m4ueG1FZbwi9NrM93066N3F3UlLCLxIVJrpQQBbasPdzR4f1TdcHLEhlPAztVI4cp7xNDuZ8woxyZd_UgsM_clqfsArcC_4r3RgvpmKPx3vLZHV6MWM/s200/Richard+Morris+1.png" width="160" /> </a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFazV54wnF38qeZY57jUSkflrA8MevQk-4KjQvJc6F1A_WKpUNElqFrjgJ10q1mHYsO-FOlODDjSnN7ZSHfCl2J7b9lbWr2MVrPqaLSIjvxf0s8-9RhcX5YcMpfm5RTehUT_Z7R209t1-/s1600/Richard+Morris+2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="731" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMFazV54wnF38qeZY57jUSkflrA8MevQk-4KjQvJc6F1A_WKpUNElqFrjgJ10q1mHYsO-FOlODDjSnN7ZSHfCl2J7b9lbWr2MVrPqaLSIjvxf0s8-9RhcX5YcMpfm5RTehUT_Z7R209t1-/s200/Richard+Morris+2.png" width="161" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Two portraits of a man, by Rosalie Watkins, oil on canvas,
2014</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Rosalie Watkins painted the two portraits of the client
pictured above. Originally only one
portrait was commissioned (the left-hand image) to be a corporate painting for
the client’s company. However during the
sittings the client decided to commission an informal portrait to keep for his
family. They are great examples of how one
person can be painted from life multiple times and, although both physically
resemble the sitter, capture very different sides of his character. For the corporate portrait the sitter chose to
wear office attire and hold work-related documents. He is in ‘business mode’ and this persona
seems to filter into his disposition provoking a more serious facial
expression. The painting style is
tighter which again reflects the more guarded personality, which is also emphasised by the pose, clothing and props. The
second portrait has a looser style.
The sitter’s clothing (he is wearing the same shirt as the first
portrait, but with an open collar) and the softer expression that hints at a
smile, creates a far more informal depiction of the sitter. He is relaxed, and a warmer side of his
character comes through. The client was
happy with both portraits, they each fulfilled the purpose for which they were
painted, and serve as fantastic examples of how well portraits can convey
personalities. Rosalie got to know the
sitter even more during the second set of sittings and this has allowed her to
find a different side of his personality, arguably a more intimate one, very
fitting for a portrait which is to hang in his family home. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
‘Celebrity’ has taken on a whole new meaning in the last
century, there are so many of them, all written about and photographed
constantly, yet we still have an insatiable hunger to know more about them, and
portraits provide this. Johnathan Yeo’s
series on Cara Delevingne in 2016, which was displayed at The Museum of
National History at Frederiksborg Castle, in Denmark, portrays the actress in a
variety of poses with different props and outfits.
The paintings allude to the current fascination with ‘the selfie’ and
how obscuring or revealing different parts of the sitter can manipulate the way
in which they are viewed. Yeo’s choice
of a young, upcoming actress who is constantly in the media brought welcome
attention to the world of portraiture and gave it a refreshing, modern feel
which appeals to the younger generations looking to buy, and commission, works of
art.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig907kIxdbemRASzGoepCKciweO5ogBLhUc3DnKxucja-lhmyn6-8XOd8gQkTuEwnTSC-_ZnsHdbbJxyg6XIsaIv5Rk4cl-SMyGpj8Mr39fGXY8kyH-ynej0woqOze-4RhJWqjYYltGCQ2/s1600/Cara+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="437" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig907kIxdbemRASzGoepCKciweO5ogBLhUc3DnKxucja-lhmyn6-8XOd8gQkTuEwnTSC-_ZnsHdbbJxyg6XIsaIv5Rk4cl-SMyGpj8Mr39fGXY8kyH-ynej0woqOze-4RhJWqjYYltGCQ2/s200/Cara+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKVQJ72LX5dHuf7s-Vlc6fDoDTXRAzN3or1it4EGua5EIlpjpKTs3mw8_gyexl-AIQ2Md7w4rgnbimP95Gwjfjn7rQwitnKwYoqGFtj08NgrjVyfafaXQhtJ9t5J9njbl31edEdgAtYFS/s1600/Cara+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="437" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnKVQJ72LX5dHuf7s-Vlc6fDoDTXRAzN3or1it4EGua5EIlpjpKTs3mw8_gyexl-AIQ2Md7w4rgnbimP95Gwjfjn7rQwitnKwYoqGFtj08NgrjVyfafaXQhtJ9t5J9njbl31edEdgAtYFS/s200/Cara+3.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwmq_rNtFW9O_LR71n5CIxp9n2WL3YJYoOc3TFxPnIDdJ-Jy-D06XbAZztaSnH23p11nKOsMbswFUXsDS1T7xHSFSYaOZls3b5eMLGhRO-GYaqRhdoNtnnn-j2UTLnr5zSXbqQoSvUEFt/s1600/Cara+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="433" data-original-width="426" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiwmq_rNtFW9O_LR71n5CIxp9n2WL3YJYoOc3TFxPnIDdJ-Jy-D06XbAZztaSnH23p11nKOsMbswFUXsDS1T7xHSFSYaOZls3b5eMLGhRO-GYaqRhdoNtnnn-j2UTLnr5zSXbqQoSvUEFt/s200/Cara+1.jpg" width="196" /></a><v:shape alt="Cara Study I High Res.jpg" id="Picture_x0020_4" o:spid="_x0000_i1028" style="height: 141.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 139.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Cara Study I High Res" src="file:///C:/Users/Rosie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image006.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape> <v:shape alt="Cara III (Cafe).jpg" id="Picture_x0020_5" o:spid="_x0000_i1027" style="height: 141.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 143.5pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Cara III (Cafe)" src="file:///C:/Users/Rosie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image007.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape> <v:shape alt="Cara IV (Selfie).jpg" id="Picture_x0020_6" o:spid="_x0000_i1026" style="height: 141.5pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 143pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="Cara IV (Selfie)" src="file:///C:/Users/Rosie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image008.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Three of the nine paintings of Cara Delevingne, by Jonathan
Yeo, 2016 <span style="line-height: 107%;">©</span></span><span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"> Jonathan
Yeo</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our last explanation for the increasing interest in contemporary
portraiture is the simple theory that people like to spend their money on a
painting of someone that means something to them. It is two presents in one – a present for oneself,
as well as a present in the form of an experience, for the sitter. Contemporary portraits rebuff the notion
that they are celebrating ancestry. They
shed the sometimes ‘dour’ image which this idea conjures and embrace everything
that is vibrant and expressive about modern painting, while still maintaining
the physical likeness of the sitter. The static stiffness of many past portraits is
replaced by exciting new ones which experiment with different techniques and breathe life into the sitter, while still creating beautiful works of art.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<v:shape alt="
Child Portraits
" id="Picture_x0020_9" o:spid="_x0000_i1025" style="height: 262pt; mso-wrap-style: square; visibility: visible; width: 181pt;" type="#_x0000_t75">
<v:imagedata o:title="
Child Portraits
" src="file:///C:/Users/Rosie/AppData/Local/Temp/msohtmlclip1/01/clip_image009.jpg">
</v:imagedata></v:shape><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZE0bebuDqujTvVY7qgCkVCnimtGoyw6BCd4u2MoPayYeDM9-0Cr_FklmjQIyFIO3wvkVdlY_kRK-sTMFx3AzIrduidHB0BeVm-UzNs19fiFN4JuTZaQPmzzOpNXt46ndiUCg5jxNkwQt/s1600/Sam+Wadsworth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="350" data-original-width="241" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxZE0bebuDqujTvVY7qgCkVCnimtGoyw6BCd4u2MoPayYeDM9-0Cr_FklmjQIyFIO3wvkVdlY_kRK-sTMFx3AzIrduidHB0BeVm-UzNs19fiFN4JuTZaQPmzzOpNXt46ndiUCg5jxNkwQt/s320/Sam+Wadsworth.jpg" width="220" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 9.0pt; line-height: 107%; mso-bidi-font-size: 11.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Man, by Sam Wadsworth, oil on canvas, 2015 </span><span style="font-size: 9pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-60043971716856251322017-07-13T05:20:00.001-07:002017-07-13T05:20:24.059-07:00BP Portraits Awards: What to look for....<div class="MsoNormal">
The BP Portrait Awards never fails to create a buzz, with
lengthy debates on the how the year’s exhibition compares to its predecessor’s,
and the inevitable discussion on which style is preferred, who ‘in my opinion’ should
have won, what an odd subject matter etc. etc. The list goes on… As you wander
around you will hear projected comments dissecting style, subject and helpfully
suggesting ways in how the portrait could have been improved, usually by people
(like me) who cannot draw a circle but as a viewer have been given the right to
critique. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The culprits of these comments should read <a href="http://www.standard.co.uk/goingout/arts/bp-portrait-award-2017-why-we-cant-get-enough-of-portrait-paintings-a3571761.html">The
Evening Standard’s</a> interview with the Senior Curator of the National Portrait
Gallery, Sarah Howgate. She broadly summarises
what the judging panel of the BP Portrait Awards 2017 were looking for when
choosing the shortlist of this year’s exhibition. Emphasis was put on the
stories surrounding the portrait; what does the work tell us? Is it about the sitter, the artist or both? Will it evoke emotion? What is the style of painting?.. From this interview it seems that narrative
plays a significant part in the panel’s decision, as well the style and skill
of painting. This then prompted thoughts as to what we, at Fine Art
Commissions, look for when perusing the walls of the NPG’s most established exhibition
and why they might differ from those of the judging panel…<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The BP Portrait Awards competition has been running since
1979 and has been sponsored by BP for the last twenty-eight years. One of the most impressive accolades of the
exhibition is its international reach with this year’s competition seeing 2,580
artists entering portraits from 87 countries.
Only the 50 shortlisted paintings make it through to the annual exhibition
at the National Portrait Gallery. The
competition pulls in visitors from as many countries as the entrants, in 2015
over 320,000 people walked through the doors to see the array of works on
display. As an artist the chance to
display your work at the finest Portrait Gallery in the world, to such a vast
audience, does go a long way to explaining the number of submissions. There is also the added bonus of the £30,000
prize money and a commission from the NPG which will hang in their permanent
collection to whet the appetite further.
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Would Fine Art Commissions have been working to the same
criteria when judging the entrants? Yes,
in general terms of style and painting skill, but the narrative is where the
roads part. As a commissioning agency we
guide and advise clients through the process of choosing an artist for a
particular project. Because of this we
need our artists to be accurate in their depiction, consistent with their style
and palette, and imaginative in their compositions. We need to know that the previous portraits
which we show to a client clearly represent their current painting style, while
also showing that the artist will not just recreate an old composition with a
different sitter. The narrative is
important but unlike many BP Portrait entries, it is not chosen by the artist
beforehand with a specific audience in mind.
It is developed simultaneously with the portrait, as the artist learns
more about the sitter. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Both criterias, for the BP Portrait judging panel and for
FAC, have their limitations. For FAC it
can mean we are less gung-ho in taking a chance on an artist who has produced
one phenomenal painting but has little else to their name, as we cannot be sure
they will deliver to clients. We focus
on technical ability so that we are confident that the artist has all the tools
they need to capture the sitter’s physical likeness and create a fantastic
portrait. Creativeness is something we
encourage once an artist has the fundamentals. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In contrast, the BP’s judging panel can choose an artist
based on just one flair portrait. No
previous works are needed and it gives an artist the confidence to progress
further in their career. However they
are dictated by their audience and need to make sure the exhibition will appeal
to the public. This may explain the
competition’s interest this year, in the narratives of the portraits. As you may have noticed the general public
are currently fascinated by other people’s life stories (look at the ratings
for ITV’s Love Island…). Narratives do
add an additional allure to a portrait, everyone enjoys a story, but it can
also mean the painterly elements of a portrait are overlooked. A technically brilliant painting with a mundane
choice of sitter, may mean the artist loses out to a celebrity portrait. This
is not saying this has happened at the BP Awards, but more to say that it is
important to realise that the final destination of a portrait can determine how
a painting, and an artist, are judged both privately and publicly. If you are lucky enough to go to the BP
Portrait Awards this year, keep Sarah Howgate’s guidelines in your mind as you
amble through the NPG’s halls, as they might help you learn more about the
works, and why they were chosen. They
certainly did for us!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><b>THE WINNER:</b></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><br /></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Huge congratulations to the winner of this year’s BP
Portrait Awards, Benjamin Sullivan, His winning portrait ‘Breech!’ delivered in
all manners (no pun intended). The
painting connects the sitter, the artist and the viewer, altogether, in an
incredibly intimate manner. The portrait
depicts his wife, gazing at their eight-month-old daughter while she
breastfeeds her. We (as the viewer) take
the position of Sullivan looking on at the scene and immediately become
involved. There is also a rousing story
surrounding the painting, not in the least from the suggestive title ‘Breech!’. The portrait is well painted, the combination
of the limited pallet and painting style may not be to everyone’s taste, but it
does draws attention to Sullivan’s wonderful handling of light and the detailed
skin tones. After 13 years of being
shortlisted (a current record) and third prize last year, Sullivan is a deserved
winner. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p><img alt="Image result for ben sullivan breech" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0584/1873/products/2017_BP_Portrait_Award_work_1418.jpg?v=1497530490" /></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p>Breech!, by Benjamin Sullivan,</o:p>82cm x 40cm, oil on canvas, 2017</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /><b>
The BP Portrait Awards 2017 will be on display at the National Portrait
Gallery, London, until 24<sup>th</sup> September 2017.</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-7782675302985010272017-06-27T01:46:00.000-07:002017-06-27T02:05:54.204-07:00Arts Council England - Funding Announcement<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Today at 10.30am the <a href="http://www.artscouncil.org.uk/">Arts
Council England</a> will be announcing the funding plans for their National
Portfolio for arts and culture organisations during 2018 to 2022.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Arts Council England is an organisation, which through investment,
supports and develops new artistic and cultural experiences across the country. To provide an idea of the scale of these
projects, between 2015 and 2018 they will have invested £1.1 billion of public
money from government, plus £700 million raised by the National Lottery to
create and support art and culture, and bring it do those who do not have it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
During his interview with Nick Robinson on Radio 4 this morning Sir Nicholas Serota, the new Chair of the Arts Council England, outlined what the funding
for the next period will focus on. The total funding will be £170,000,000, and this will be used to raise the current
number of organisations funded from 700 to 831, including 72 museums and 7
libraries. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Arts Council England will be looking to bring art and culture to areas
outside of London, areas which are not currently recognised or visited for the
arts including; Bradford, Stoke,
Luton and Tees Valley. The organisations which
will be funded are smaller ones, and ones that reflect the diversity of the
country, as Mr Serota put it the ‘Green shoots’. The projects which need financial support to get started. As their mantra dictates, the Arts Council England are continuing to bring great art to everyone, especially focusing on those who
do not currently have access to it. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
One of the larger projects which will benefit from the Arts
Council funding is The Factory in Manchester.
The building has been designed by Dutch architect Rem Koolhaas and will be located at the site of a the former Granada TV studios. The planned opening is in 2020 and the project will cost a total
of £110 million. £78 million has been pledged by the Arts Council England as well as £78 million vowed by George Osborne in his 2015 budget for
his Northern Powerhouse vision. All
forms of art will be displayed and performed at the venue, bringing international
recognition to the north and cementing it as a cultural hub.<br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We shall be waiting to hear more about the exciting projects planned by the Arts Council England at 10.30am, and will look forward to keeping you updated with more specific details in the months to come. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Image result for the factory manchester" border="0" height="223" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The Factory in Manchester ©OMA<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-73908660631236153702017-06-13T06:28:00.000-07:002017-06-13T06:28:58.570-07:00Exhibition: Sargent: The Watercolours<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<br /></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyIGWFKXuGrKchdQZFWiUx7j3P_-hFc-jqMWcqflhWE54nKUDfCzgprXv7jcHJQNriAMeQgKzcKhEcTCnEX4wg-r6Q6HSTmBsO6QLe_8dCUQ-SrBEovG7neekA7bUzpq5yy7192i63pou/s1600/8c297df0e9ae13cddc3405c1447b3239.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1147" data-original-width="1600" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIyIGWFKXuGrKchdQZFWiUx7j3P_-hFc-jqMWcqflhWE54nKUDfCzgprXv7jcHJQNriAMeQgKzcKhEcTCnEX4wg-r6Q6HSTmBsO6QLe_8dCUQ-SrBEovG7neekA7bUzpq5yy7192i63pou/s320/8c297df0e9ae13cddc3405c1447b3239.jpg" width="320" /></a></h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We were so bowled over from the announcement of the RA’s
exhibition that it slipped our mind to tell you about an equally exciting show
which is opening <b><u>next week</u></b> at
the Dulwich Picture Gallery, namely, <i>Sargent:
The Watercolours. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Being a gallery that specialises in portraiture, it may come
as little surprise that we at Fine Art Commissions are incredibly interested in
this particular artist. Sargent is the
most famous portrait painter of his era, and a painter that many of the artists
we represent today look to for inspiration.
With his large brushstrokes, and flawless depictions of drapery,
Sargent’s portraits were always animated, beautifully composed and generously
painted. His work has an elegance and
softness which is hard to top, and his use of light is dramatic and theatrical. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, the exhibition at the Dulwich Picture Gallery will
not be showing Sargent’s portraits, they will be displaying the watercolours he
painted during his time away from portrait commissions. This is the first time in 100 years that
these paintings have been on display in the UK, and will be a fantastic follow
on exhibition to the NPG’s 2015 show ‘<i>Sargent:
Portraits of Artists and Friends´,</i> which displayed Sargent’s
non-commissioned portraits. Combine the
two and you have a well-rounded picture (excuse the pun) of what Sargent got up
to when he wasn’t painting the great, the good and the fantastically wealthy! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
The exhibition runs from 21<sup>st</sup> June until 8<sup>th</sup>
October 2017 and there is a wonderful precis of the exhibition by Sargent’s
Great-nephew, Richard Ormond on the Gallery’s <a href="http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/2017/june/sargent-the-watercolours/">website</a>
- this will provide you with more
fascinating details on Sargent and the exhibition. See you there! <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
http://www.dulwichpicturegallery.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/2017/june/sargent-the-watercolours/</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-63026707201249399222017-06-07T03:12:00.001-07:002017-06-07T03:36:03.980-07:00<h2>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>CHARLES I: KING AND COLLECTOR</b></span></h2>
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-weight: normal;">Good news travels fast, and it seems great news travels at the speed of a cheetah – London’s Royal Academy of Art have announced their 2018 exhibition ‘<i>Charles I: King and Collector’</i>. So far,
only general details have been released about the exhibition, and it is not
known exactly which 150 paintings from the great collection will be on display. However to keep up the hype until next year,
we thought we’d provide a bit of historical context to Charles I and his fabulous
art. Our aim: to give you some idea as
to why this will be such a highlight of 2018. Let us know if it helps!</span><br />
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span>
<br />
<h3>
<b>A FEW QUICK FACTS
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION ‘<i>CHARLES I: KING AND
COLLECTOR’:<o:p></o:p></i></b></h3>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The exhibition will reunite 150 artworks which
Charles I acquired for his private collection between 1620 and 1640.</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Major European Museums have confirmed that they
will be lending artworks for the exhibition, including Paris’</span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"> Louvre</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> and the </span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Prado Museum</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> in Madrid.</span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> </span></li>
<li><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">The pieces in the exhibition will not have been
seen together for almost </span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">400 years, </b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">since The New Model Army overthrew Charles I, beheaded him, and sold his private art collection.</span></li>
<li>·<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">Details are yet to be confirmed but the
exhibition promises to bring together artworks from the sublime and the great including;
</span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Titian, Rubens, Caravaggio, Coreggio,
Raphael, van Dyke </b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">and </span><b style="text-indent: -18pt;">Holbein</b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<h3>
<b>THE HISTORY:</b></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between 1620 and 1640
Charles I amassed a private art collection consisting of 1,500 paintings and 500
sculptures. His interest in the arts was ingrained from childhood through
watching plays and performances at the court of his father, James I. Additionally James I had worked hard to repair
England’s fractious relationship with the Habsburgs which had been strained by
Henry VIII’s split with Rome in the 1530’s.
This reconciliation allowed England once again to look to Europe for
cultural direction, a change that could only improve the current royal art
collection which heavily
featured work by Holbein and Hilliard (no bad thing),
but was desperately lacking the art of the contemporary masters who were the height of popularity in Europe, such as; Titian, Raphael and
Botticelli.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Before he even took the throne Charles I set about building his
historical art collection. He had a
trusted group of art advisors, including The Duke of Buckingham and
Sir Balthazar Gerbier, to guide him on his acquisitions. In 1620 Charles had been keen to acquire a
painting of a lion hunt by Rubens which on arrival and closer inspection, was
found to be a studio work and not by Ruben’s himself - luckily this was spotted by Sir John Danvers, another
advisor, and the painting was returned, shortly to be replaced by an original. A pivotal moment for Charles
and his love of art was his visit to Madrid in 1623. Accompanied by The Duke of Buckingham and
Gerbier, the intention of the trip was to encourage a possible Anglo-Spanish
marriage between himself and the Infanta Maria.
However when Charles returned home without a bride, and in her stead,
paintings by Titian, Velasquez and Rubens it was clear what had caught his eye
more – King Philip IV’s fabulous art collection.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />Philip was a huge enthusiast of the arts, his collection was
thought to be the greatest in Europe and by his death in 1665 it consisted of
4,000 works. Understandably Charles was like a moth to a flame when he visited,
his eyes were opened to the most prominent artists of the time and their most
enviable masterpieces. The large
collection of artworks which Charles returned home with were not only ones he bought
or commissioned. Art and politics have always been conjoined and this era was no different. Gifting art played a huge part in political
persuasion, and with the hope of a future Anglo-Spanish marriage, Charles
received a gift from Philip IV in the form of Titan’s <i>Charles V with a Dog</i>. There
have probably been subtler ways to persuade your intended brother-in-law to convert to
Catholicism than by presenting him with a portrait of the Holy Roman Emperor… However this would not have dampened Charles' delight at the present! Unfortunately the marriage between Charles
and Maria never did materialise, and although Charles returned home with a chest
of masterpieces (including a free Titian) and a penchant for Spanish attire (which
quickly became customary at the English court) he had done little to improve
relations with Spain. Clearly art had taken precedence over international
relations and the welfare of his country, a pattern which would be frequently
repeated throughout his reign.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Between 1627-28 Charles continued his rather gratuitous
spending and bought the entire art collection of the Duke of Mantua. This was a collection which contained Raphael’s <i>Holy
Family</i>, Mantegna’s <i>Triumphs of Caesar</i>
and Caravaggio <i>Death of the Virgin</i> to
name a few. Again, this decision can be
seen as art taking priority over current affairs - the money which was spent on
the collection was intended to aid a war at La Rochelle which The Duke of
Buckingham was currently fighting. Possibly not to acquire a collection of artworks for the private pleasure of the King.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In 1649 the New Model Army overpowered the royalists and
Charles was executed on 30<sup>th</sup> January. Cromwell took position as Lord Protector and
the Charles’ private art collection became, yet again, a tool of political propaganda. Charles' interest in art had brought it back into public interest, it had become a symbol of wealth, taste and intellect, and Cromwell wanted to eradicate this. He ordered for a sale of all the artworks to take place at Somerset
House. The £118,000 which was raised from the sale
was used to provide for the recent war widows, Charles’ creditors and funding
the navy. Cromwell hoped to remove the
majesty of art by making it universally available. Did he realise that
this would form the foundations of the modern art market? Probably not, but by lowering the price of
the art, as well as gifting it to tradesman who would have been unable to
acquire it otherwise, he enabled art to reach the masses, not just the affluent.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Following Cromwell’s death, and a short leadership by his
son, Richard, Charles II, returned to England in 1660 and took the throne. Throughout his reign he endeavoured to
reclaim his father’s collection. He
managed to reacquire 1,100 of the original artworks however many prominent pieces had been bought by European Royals from the sale at Somerset House and were now part of their own court collections. These paintings could not be recovered and are now part
of collections forming the Louvre and the Prado - paintings which we hope to see in the RA’s exhibition next year. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Over a forty-year time span England went from having a
modest Royal art collection, to one of the most sort after, then back to
nothing and finally to the 1,100 original works from Charles’ collection which
we have today. A remarkably
journey and one surrounded by a huge amount of history. Should Charles I have been preoccupied with
building a fabulous art collection rather than concentrating on stabilising his
country? From the perspective of a ruler, no. However
from the view of the art world, he has provided the UK with one of the most
phenomenal art collections, which really is something to thank him
for. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-30990382912177283492017-04-26T08:51:00.001-07:002017-06-07T03:25:17.554-07:00From the view of a sitter (in the studio of Nicky Philipps)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 2; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><br />
<br />
<u>F</u></span></b><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt;">rom the view of the sitter </span></u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b style="text-indent: -18pt;"><u><span style="font-size: 18pt;"><br /></span></u></b></span>
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W7idXZ-y5FlZDnYRsxv1d4RCcACFXK1DRGqzWd_rgSSVhnrUOb3Znrmjz3Do2VRZSlfUeyuy7fNxEupesneWbtnKVk2RCgzETgeonQvJkG2llTiJDYRykwRjQV-M4JP8WpMer4eCQfOf/s1600/RMS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6W7idXZ-y5FlZDnYRsxv1d4RCcACFXK1DRGqzWd_rgSSVhnrUOb3Znrmjz3Do2VRZSlfUeyuy7fNxEupesneWbtnKVk2RCgzETgeonQvJkG2llTiJDYRykwRjQV-M4JP8WpMer4eCQfOf/s320/RMS.jpg" width="241" /></span></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-align: center; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
<o:p></o:p>The thought of being
painted by one of the world’s leading portrait painters, if not <u>the</u> leading
portrait painter, can’t help but raise the question as to whether you quite
deserve a place among the great and the good of her past sitters.
However, it is quite apparent when you meet the artist, Nicky Philipps, that
she does not share this concern. It is not the person that intrigues her,
although the more the you sit the more she will probe you (without judgement)
for your views on current affairs, but more the fresh challenge of capturing
the face which sits before her. Nicky’s technique is methodical and
calming, you will become immune to the beady eyes peering at you from behind a
thin pair of glasses, and their relationship to the arm which holds the brush
and translates each thought. You will occasionally hear a mutter
regarding a particular feature, something like ‘no no, your nose is larger than
that…’ ignore it, this isn’t a tactless blunder, rather a statement of fact in
relation to the brushstroke which she has just whipped across the canvas.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
Nicky is an artist who practises the same sight-size method as that used
by Reynolds, Sargent and Van Dyck, and you will feel that you are in the hands
of a similar calibre when sitting for her. She embodies all the right things
about an artist, all the natural things. She puts paint on brush, and
brush on canvas and from that manages to conjure a portrait which breathes; a
talent modernity is constantly finding ways to crush and easily criticise
through photography and ‘air brushing’.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
Take advantage of being in a studio that embodies all the great myths of the
artist. Nicky’s is actually incredibly well ordered and tidy; made up of
stacked blank canvases primed and ready to go; an immaculate palette of fresh
paints, reds, blues and yellows, soon to be mixed and transformed into the natural
tones of the skin, a faint smell of turps and the remnants of some eclectic
artist’s parties which spontaneously occur in a way only they know how.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
There is a refreshing lack of technology in the studio, a computer, iPhone, and
radio are the only signs of the time, and none bar the radio are used in
Nicky’s painting process. She paints solely from life. There is
also little to suggest that Nicky has a standard ‘painting routine’ for her
portraits. After all, a new sitter brings a whole new experience, which
is equally challenging and enjoyable for her – or at least this is how she
tactfully described mine! You will be amazed how quickly, and with what
seems like minimal effort, that a face starts to take shape on the canvas, and
it is fascinating to see the blobs of paint from the palette combine to create
you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br />
I cannot speak for all Nicky’s sitters but I imagine the majority of us have
stayed beyond our welcome as there is no place quite like her studio and you
will not want to leave once you are there. Another factor may also be
that Nicky will not put down her paint brush until physically disarmed, so if
you do suddenly find yourself as her muse, do keep half an eye on the time,
otherwise you will find that you have whiled away the entire day (including
lunch) discussing various political topics and becoming mesmerised by the
two-step jig she performs as she lunges back and forth from the canvas.
It is an experience that will be very hard to top.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></b><b><span style="font-size: 15pt;">Finally, my tips for
a sitter:</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></b><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">1.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Try not to envisage what the portrait
will look like, the full experience comes from meeting Nicky and seeing what
she finds particularly interesting about you.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
2.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">If the process interests you, ask
questions, you may not find yourself in a studio quite like this as often as
you’d hope. If you get asked to be quiet, it is probably because she is
painting your mouth.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
3.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The painting will travel through
multiple stages before the final portrait reveals itself, I would therefore
advise against showing the portrait to anyone until this stage has been
reached. Photographs distort brushstrokes and pick up on wet paint,
consequently making the portrait look completely different on a iPhone and
computer to what it will look like in real life.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
4.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Pick a comfortable pose, you’ll be in it
for a while and too much fidgeting is at your peril. If Nicky suggest
changing the pose it will probably be for a good reason, so I would go with it
(even if you have had a day of sitting already) it is worth getting right.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
5.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">The legendary myth regarding artist’s
distaste for timings may not be completely without truth. If you would
like to see the fruits of your combined labour then try not to have a rigid
timeline for completion. Relax and enjoy the process, unless you are Her
Majesty, or a very lucky person, portraits do not occur too many times in one’s
life and should be enjoyed to the full.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
6.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Appreciate the talent of painting a
portrait. We have become relatively spoilt after seeing so many fabulous
historical and seem less impressed and quick to judge where we think it could
be improved. Easy to judge, less easy to paint it yourself.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
7.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Try not to fall into the ‘airbrushing’
trap of the 21<sup>st</sup> Century. This is not a photograph. The
portrait will be a combination of your features and your character, through the
eyes of the portrait painter, and this is how it should be appreciated.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
8.)</span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Lastly, in case you’re worried,
blemishes do not get featured unless specially requested! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="color: #0c343d; font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><o:p></o:p>
</span><br />
<div style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-4660735802002839352017-03-16T09:56:00.000-07:002017-03-16T10:16:32.350-07:00<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><u><span style="font-size: x-large;">Nicky Philipps: 1 minute without a paint brush.</span></u><u5:p></u5:p><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">One minute with Nicky Philipps has given us a lot to think about - a whole list of artists to read up on, a new genre of music to listen to, and an exciting young exhibition to put in the diary for June! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00_D6388JlgySEfs2EQ3ULQ5Yzbl_nzBugyz1VVZW3-4lafqQVxFwCY-fxNAudneWSv1QNd_2HFoQ_zb3FEf6Y3oIhsF_uUkjsV7vSvwRsNi_cWwKETrMhZcWSlftfITIM1xI2zpZIbL9/s1600/Her+Majesty+Queen+Elizabeth+II%252C+oil+on+canvas%252C+96+x+60ins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00_D6388JlgySEfs2EQ3ULQ5Yzbl_nzBugyz1VVZW3-4lafqQVxFwCY-fxNAudneWSv1QNd_2HFoQ_zb3FEf6Y3oIhsF_uUkjsV7vSvwRsNi_cWwKETrMhZcWSlftfITIM1xI2zpZIbL9/s400/Her+Majesty+Queen+Elizabeth+II%252C+oil+on+canvas%252C+96+x+60ins.jpg" width="250" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, oil on canvas, 96" x 60", 2016</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">1.) Most influential artist on your work & why?<span style="color: #1f497d;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>I’m afraid one is not an
option, the list is constantly growing; Van Dyck, Velasquez, Sargent,
Rembrandt, Lawrence, Manet, Monet, William Nicholson, Peploe. There is always something
new to learn.</b><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 72.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u5:p></u5:p>2.) Favourite medium & why? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 72.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Oil, </b><b>there is such vast range of colours. <span style="color: red;"><u5:p></u5:p></span></b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><u5:p> </u5:p> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">3.) Do you listen to music when you paint, if so what
genre? <span style="color: #1f497d;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Country and western. It’s "feel
good" music, it even makes me feel good if a painting isn't quite working.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 72.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">4.) When you’re not painting what do you most like
doing? <span style="color: #1f497d;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 72.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Anything to do with horses. Cook, play
bridge or design things... And travel, except that this can sometimes count as work
because I always take my sketch book.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">5.) Favourite Art Collection?<span style="color: red;"> </span><span style="color: #1f497d;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>National Portrait Gallery, especially
their early 20th century rooms.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">6.) London’s best kept secret? <span style="color: #1f497d;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>Rossetti Studios. Although we’re planning
an exhibition for young artists there this summer, so the secret
may not be so well kept after that… Hopefully it will inspire the next generation though.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">7.) Dream studio location? <b>A
barn in Chianti. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">8.) What portrait are you working on at the moment? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>A very funny lady from Dallas who loves
Sargent and country music.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><br />
9.) Any (discreet) amusing anecdotes from a
sitting?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"> <b>I wish I could remember them, but as most of my brain is focusing
on painting the portrait only the most dramatic stories seem to register, and they
will remain secret...</b><br />
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">10.) Who would you like to paint next? <span style="color: #1f497d;"> <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b>My current sitter's husband/family. That
will be proof that she likes her own portrait. Or Dame Edna Everage. </b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">11.) Any tips for young portrait artists starting out? <b>Learn to draw properly.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 5.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">12.) Last meal you’d like to eat?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 36.0pt; margin-top: 5.0pt;">
<b><span style="font-family: "times" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Mashed
potato and lemon cheesecake. In that order. Both with cream.</span></b></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0Ryder St, St. James's, London SW1Y 6PX, UK51.5066438 -0.1385338999999703451.5063348 -0.13916439999997035 51.5069528 -0.13790339999997034tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-14599184422463598932017-02-22T05:00:00.000-08:002017-02-22T05:17:17.215-08:00Jamie Coreth: One minute without a paintbrush<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
Our twelve big questions were put to Jamie Coreth this week. Read below for some great tips on jazz in London, what goes into becoming a portrait painter, and why we may ban him from travelling to Scotland, he could decide never to return...</div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOEPWCax5yFw01-ErYd4KkGqIZmtCtXgkyhcQdZ1f9NglmFr6WeXtFStoejuzpEOZ7y5EiUfphD_eUAG7UqMEumKEIvZ0fkOMSIG3DVz0H1WEPps-mdEIOM2zUzD4S07s4a38EFBG4utv/s1600/JC+Dad+Sculpting+Me+-+BP+Young+Artist+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOEPWCax5yFw01-ErYd4KkGqIZmtCtXgkyhcQdZ1f9NglmFr6WeXtFStoejuzpEOZ7y5EiUfphD_eUAG7UqMEumKEIvZ0fkOMSIG3DVz0H1WEPps-mdEIOM2zUzD4S07s4a38EFBG4utv/s320/JC+Dad+Sculpting+Me+-+BP+Young+Artist+Award.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="text-indent: -18pt;"> Right, here we go....</span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p><br /></u1:p><b>1.)<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span>Most influential artist on your work & why? <o:p> </o:p></b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p><br /></o:p>Mark
Coreth. Without meaning to sound too fuzzy, he's a constant source of
motivation and enthusiasm for me, and helps to keep me focused on the important
things. <i>(Jamie's painting 'Dad Sculpting me' depicts his father, the sculptor Mark Coreth, sculpting him (image above). The painting won the Young Artist Award at the BP Portrait Awards 2016, National Portrait Gallery, London.)</i><br />
<br />
<b>2.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Favourite medium & why? </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<o:p> </o:p>Oil
paint.... it is such a flexible medium. You can treat it like water colour if
you want or build it up indefinitely...</div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br />
<b>3.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Do you listen to music when you paint, if so
what genre? </b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p><b><br /></b></o:p>Sometimes.
And varied.... electropop through to classical. Bob Dylan, fleetwood mac,
Leonard cohen all play music that is uplifting more than it is
distracting.<br />
<o:p> </o:p>I
listen to a lot of audiobooks.<br />
<br />
<b>4.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>When you’re not painting what do you most like
doing?</b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
Looking
at animals.... nice landscapes.... I like fishing, flying.... netflix, I guess,
actually.<br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b> 5.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Favourite Art Collection? </b>Prado </div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br />
<b>6.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>London’s best kept secret? </b><span style="text-indent: -18pt;">606
club </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br />
<b>7.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Dream studio location? </b>Western
Highlands.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br />
<b>8.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>What are working on at the moment? </b>A
couple of huge canvases. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b> 9.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Any (discreet) amusing anecdotes from a
sitting? </b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
I
once jokingly told a portrait sitter to pop their clothes in the corner so we
can get started...unamused response.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b> 10.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span> Who would you like to paint next?</b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
Um...
dream sitters must include Obama, Brian Blessed and Richard Leakey. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b><br />11.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Any tips for portrait artists starting out? </b>Work
hard. </div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<b> 12.)<span style="font-size: 7.0pt;"> </span>Last meal you’d like to eat? </b>....
something seafoody. Maybe scallops.</div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<br />
<b><u1:p> </u1:p>Thank
you so much Jamie.</b></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></div>
<div style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> Ur
welcome.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 36.0pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]-->
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u1:p></u1:p><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<u1:p></u1:p><u1:p></u1:p><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
<!--[if !supportLineBreakNewLine]--><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" />
<!--[endif]--><o:p></o:p></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-70740462660504601882016-09-23T07:59:00.000-07:002017-02-22T05:01:53.485-08:00Beyond Caravaggio, The National Gallery, London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
On Wednesday 12th October, 'Beyond Caravaggio' will open at The National Gallery. This is the first exhibition of its kind, celebrating the influence and legacy of this Italian master. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Caravaggio's first public commission was unveiled in 1600, which triggered a mass exodus of artists to Rome where they could see his work. Contemporaries were astonished by the visual and anecdotal power of his paintings and inspired by their dynamic naturalism and striking use of light. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This exhibition unites a selection of Caravaggio's most outstanding works as well as paintings by the Spanish, Dutch, Flemish, French and Italian artists who were inspired by him, paying homage to the sensation known as Caravaggism. The exhibition runs until 15th January 2017. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM8fyqMop-Tk9b6E2H-Lcc5vw9Y1FFfM5d5oHUpURWGfyqxGtZtk65tzJ-QtFiO8qR8lGhC_OoJEYMwb99RQwT3XrshzxFeyWkKcoaLh34xxKkbgngc45Hvc3Ovv_Ns2B1fFDDYDc6tiO/s1600/Caravaggio+-+Supper+at+Emmaus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="454" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivM8fyqMop-Tk9b6E2H-Lcc5vw9Y1FFfM5d5oHUpURWGfyqxGtZtk65tzJ-QtFiO8qR8lGhC_OoJEYMwb99RQwT3XrshzxFeyWkKcoaLh34xxKkbgngc45Hvc3Ovv_Ns2B1fFDDYDc6tiO/s640/Caravaggio+-+Supper+at+Emmaus.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Supper at Emmaus, Caravaggio 1602-3 <span style="line-height: 107%;">© National Gallery, London</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-52341999561571987482016-07-13T03:33:00.000-07:002016-07-13T04:21:13.144-07:00James McNeill Whistler's legacy lives on in the work of artist Rosalie Watkins<div style="text-align: center;">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<i>We take a look at how James McNeill Whistler's iconic portrait of his mother inspired Fine Art Commissions' artist Rosalie Watkins: </i></h2>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
James McNeill Whistler was an American-born artist who divided his time between London and Paris. He is best known as a mouthpiece for 'art for art's sake' and his part in the controversial Ruskin trial of 1877.<br />
<br />
In 1856, Whistler enlisted in Charles Gleyre's studio at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts and a couple of years later entered into business with Alphonse Legros and Fantin-Latour in order to try and make his works as widely seen as possible. Fantin-Latour's painting, 'Homage to Delacroix' placed Whistler at the centre alongisde Manet and Baudelaire, which declared his status as a member of the avante-garde in the Parisian art world.<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJahpxkiJE_xdJmiSB1b5PEFFj7_8hx2a7_HbG28XsvG3EZgZb6iHbZHQPZxBAQnLmJSKH0oUjaEKnlid2Vhr_YY67oQiD-kBasxF91ympc489OQx7lfwsm-3SoXOf4ZITcn689qYEVbuN/s1600/Fantin-Latour_Homage_to_Delacroix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJahpxkiJE_xdJmiSB1b5PEFFj7_8hx2a7_HbG28XsvG3EZgZb6iHbZHQPZxBAQnLmJSKH0oUjaEKnlid2Vhr_YY67oQiD-kBasxF91ympc489OQx7lfwsm-3SoXOf4ZITcn689qYEVbuN/s640/Fantin-Latour_Homage_to_Delacroix.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">'Homage to Delacroix', Henri Fantin-Latour, Oil on Canvas, 1864 </span><span style="font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px; line-height: 13.91px;">© </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">RMN Grand Palais (Musee D'Orsay)/Herve Lewandowski</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><div style="text-align: justify;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The psychological sensitivity of the portrait is effectively conveyed through the pared down, linear composition and further enhanced by the neutral palette. This highlights Whistler's interest in Japanese prints, including 'View of the Thames', which hangs on the wall above his mother in the painting.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">'Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1' is also referred to as 'Portrait of the Artist's Mother.' This double title serves as an expression or Whistler's gradual progression from a realistic to more stylised aesthetic. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><i>'Whistler's painting of his mother was initially completed as part of a series of monochromatic studies, and its title (Arrangement in Grey and Black No. I) confirms his sense of detachment to it and reinforces its value as purely an exericse in aestheticism.' - Rosalie Watkins</i></b></span></div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDAA9e2iiYKDbwdit4-nmUhfZrPzWZwv9esplVGY9pJiSQFsreIB9dcRfFDb-NsDxa5h02KJqELFEiwEZfcxWjh1tctSBhHx9_Z2HgWAwMTnpON3b06ta8SvLy6PHyKg1-fyxOzH0gZmJ/s1600/Whistler%2527s+mother.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTDAA9e2iiYKDbwdit4-nmUhfZrPzWZwv9esplVGY9pJiSQFsreIB9dcRfFDb-NsDxa5h02KJqELFEiwEZfcxWjh1tctSBhHx9_Z2HgWAwMTnpON3b06ta8SvLy6PHyKg1-fyxOzH0gZmJ/s640/Whistler%2527s+mother.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">'Arrangement in Grey and Black No. 1', also called 'Portrait of the Artist's Mother', James Abbott McNeill Whistler, Oil on Canvas, 1871 <span style="line-height: 107%;">© RMN Grand Palais (Musee d'Orsay)/Jean Gilles Berizzi</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></span><b><i style="font-size: medium;">'</i><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">I was interested in the concept of painting flesh tones in a monochromatic setting and Kandis was wearing black and greys that made a dramatic visual impact against the studio wall. Whistler's muted palette adds to the sense of repose and stillness, but Kandis felt more dynamic, particularly with the less conventional leg crossed and trainers. The stronger visual contrast felt fitting when playing with the idea of interpreting Whistler's painting. </span></i></b><b style="font-size: 12.8px;"><i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Whistler also allowed the unpainted canvas to breathe through, which i have referenced with areas of the canvas left with just the initial wash showing through.' -Rosalie Watkins</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; letter-spacing: normal; margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; orphans: auto; padding: 6px; text-align: center; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 1; word-spacing: 0px;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1Shbjx0g5FxsBTSxkQX8vjyx7t06JBzhBc7sP8S1qBy5vB3KM8vWHvqteDBfqT8gyxvza0afL1zahOZwediU51XAKxlJ427eISlC1K47dFNPO589L7SfqhTIiWOoBLjYXrmK-6oEkr6m/s1600/RW+After+Whistler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ1Shbjx0g5FxsBTSxkQX8vjyx7t06JBzhBc7sP8S1qBy5vB3KM8vWHvqteDBfqT8gyxvza0afL1zahOZwediU51XAKxlJ427eISlC1K47dFNPO589L7SfqhTIiWOoBLjYXrmK-6oEkr6m/s640/RW+After+Whistler.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">'After Whistler,' Rosalie Watkins, Oil on Canvas, 2015<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© Rosalie Watkins</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Later in his career, Whistler dropped all narrative from his paintings and gave only musical subtitles to his work, reinforcing his belief in the importance of harmony over subject matter.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-2934293047426577552016-07-12T03:51:00.001-07:002016-07-12T03:51:16.012-07:00BP Portrait Award 2016<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
We are delighted that Fine Art Commissions has the following artists exhibiting as part of the BP Portrait Award 2016 at the National Portrait Gallery, London. </h2>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The exhibition runs until 4th September and admission is free. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5S-2mrUMkPpTXSTerC1AsUAbKasqwiUF0ub3vqMH1088aLu1V-0OsYw2aWjVyJDh6yebyqy7X3RH3QVaQ0A3ya-nHdc1vwvvm_lVBkgFhi9HZE90QgA1mJmb6htjp1rKl_G9UAOmLezp/s1600/JC+Dad+Sculpting+Me+-+BP+Young+Artist+Award.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="345" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO5S-2mrUMkPpTXSTerC1AsUAbKasqwiUF0ub3vqMH1088aLu1V-0OsYw2aWjVyJDh6yebyqy7X3RH3QVaQ0A3ya-nHdc1vwvvm_lVBkgFhi9HZE90QgA1mJmb6htjp1rKl_G9UAOmLezp/s400/JC+Dad+Sculpting+Me+-+BP+Young+Artist+Award.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: small;"><i>Dad Sculpting Me</i> by Jamie Coreth, winner of the BP Young Artist Award</span></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfDwBQGIthJG7OHrv9J3WGdhR25wDcFKdIKvLHR7b8B5X5JWJ0CAJKAAi9w7ErASPwdwN7aotuIK2Caq8tAjTRmTKjnHtOzkn3qDxiKQPumPB36JhQ7N42qKKwlT1ropHkR9U_D9sLnI6/s1600/2016_BP_Portrait_Award_work_1048.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfDwBQGIthJG7OHrv9J3WGdhR25wDcFKdIKvLHR7b8B5X5JWJ0CAJKAAi9w7ErASPwdwN7aotuIK2Caq8tAjTRmTKjnHtOzkn3qDxiKQPumPB36JhQ7N42qKKwlT1ropHkR9U_D9sLnI6/s400/2016_BP_Portrait_Award_work_1048.jpg" width="282" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Unfolding</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFXVWiiznccq4Z7NhLhlhOnoev6CzfiLHVgJup1mpf49-DT-btX3jpe0bUrrmCrIYblqi-BlJ4foYapKtxkcRWkJi9Cw48pyvano7AU0MoNI-grNc0Q_qVnMwMBEGsIwVtnzvdpDE9NQ1/s1600/Haydn+as+Henry+%2528small+jpeg%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmFXVWiiznccq4Z7NhLhlhOnoev6CzfiLHVgJup1mpf49-DT-btX3jpe0bUrrmCrIYblqi-BlJ4foYapKtxkcRWkJi9Cw48pyvano7AU0MoNI-grNc0Q_qVnMwMBEGsIwVtnzvdpDE9NQ1/s400/Haydn+as+Henry+%2528small+jpeg%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-size: small;">Haydn as Henry</span></i></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-79888245605354241292016-04-27T10:20:00.002-07:002016-04-27T10:20:45.133-07:00Fine Art Commissions offers an incredibly unique service that is greatly valued by our artists <div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<i style="font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><br /></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i style="font-family: inherit;">‘All creative people need a Fine Art Commissions. Not just for marketing and sourcing work, but for valuable second opinions when needed.’</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - </span><b style="font-family: inherit;">Nicky Philipps</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b></span>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOw-15I2-2VLlTevQusuZj2zCfbxBSK93kuts5OyQjfXiHI9TpipTMxUOBiGBMzs_TjY76NJgPHm4PHN2FHxTObmFLWKQU2vYggbFni3CeIpAjBlLsxSu_pFx0YF42NFiYpzDgig7Wtgh/s1600/nickylowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKOw-15I2-2VLlTevQusuZj2zCfbxBSK93kuts5OyQjfXiHI9TpipTMxUOBiGBMzs_TjY76NJgPHm4PHN2FHxTObmFLWKQU2vYggbFni3CeIpAjBlLsxSu_pFx0YF42NFiYpzDgig7Wtgh/s400/nickylowres.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="247" /></span></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">‘</span></i></b></b></b></b><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;">I like the fact that Fine Art Commissions is a one stop shop. </i></b></b></b></b><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><i style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I</span></i><i style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"> also like the competition with other artists and to be able to secure the opinion of Sara Stewart who has seen so many works of art.’ - </i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p style="font-family: inherit; font-weight: normal;"></o:p></span><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;">Nick Bashall</b></b></b></b></b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: normal;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><br /></b></b></b></b></b></span></span>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b style="line-height: 17.12px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IGe1kN5V_mX2_lOXHaTH6yfJYO5Z3AqkGqr-YerZnnHwyR3L6Gr40FB1WmLHMg6zIsJguasG6q1eyAj8zu0ooY44MhkwjnFNtLjIUVZUbD6t2g75_ghGr9SB0JEBcrCwZeSUbJCBV5Y8/s1600/saralowres.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2IGe1kN5V_mX2_lOXHaTH6yfJYO5Z3AqkGqr-YerZnnHwyR3L6Gr40FB1WmLHMg6zIsJguasG6q1eyAj8zu0ooY44MhkwjnFNtLjIUVZUbD6t2g75_ghGr9SB0JEBcrCwZeSUbJCBV5Y8/s400/saralowres.jpg" width="267" /></a></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b style="font-family: inherit;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><b style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"><b style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 17.12px;"><i style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;">‘If it was not for Fine Art Commissions, I’d probably be in the gutter painting portraits for my attic.’ - </i><o:p style="font-weight: normal; line-height: normal; text-align: justify;"> </o:p><b style="line-height: normal; text-align: justify;">Jamie Coreth</b></b></b></b></b></b><b><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></b></span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"></span></o:p></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0LwpwG_YNYTL8vpHwz13j5md5X1BXAW1CGospOYMFzClgpYj6mSrmsXnN02IjPR_sJ621RvUGajHfGmUXLR0TwFQd-wQG8UY3ynWfTqsmGWEp4IlNGwbBMtULeXVNZ4FvvRweNQVxNaL/s1600/Jamie+-+low+res.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi0LwpwG_YNYTL8vpHwz13j5md5X1BXAW1CGospOYMFzClgpYj6mSrmsXnN02IjPR_sJ621RvUGajHfGmUXLR0TwFQd-wQG8UY3ynWfTqsmGWEp4IlNGwbBMtULeXVNZ4FvvRweNQVxNaL/s400/Jamie+-+low+res.jpg" width="296" /></a></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-36745519149630630612016-03-17T09:18:00.000-07:002016-03-17T09:18:00.032-07:00Self-portraits through the ages<h3>
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>We take a look at some self-portraits by much-loved artists working in Britain through the ages, including William Hogarth and Vanessa Bell:</i></span></h3>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Self-portraiture is a richly diverse, enigmatic genre that has particular poignancy in the history of art, documenting the rare moment when the artist enjoys a unique sense of freedom as both subject and creator.<br />
<br />
Artists have recreated their own image since the Middle Ages; a time when self scrutiny and personal salvation were of great importance. During the Renaissance, the humanist emphasis on the individual coincided with the elevated status of the artist. The discovery of oil painting allowed artists to develop techniques that revolutionised painting. As an intimate form of self-expression, personal legacy and public self-advertisement, the self-portrait raises complex issues of identity, politics, social status and artistic skill. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcrFT2M2XhzZ55zreVXjiZbF2_EesGV7UJQKMwQ9nYDXjfju1m-eSZIDSra-h7U1tMBbtr6PreNNdvd4Wn_tmR4WznbY0skWwz6gZv5fAOXykOABUjTZFA_SnLl_YxpXfCGRW2QwiRaLJ/s1600/Godfreykneller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggcrFT2M2XhzZ55zreVXjiZbF2_EesGV7UJQKMwQ9nYDXjfju1m-eSZIDSra-h7U1tMBbtr6PreNNdvd4Wn_tmR4WznbY0skWwz6gZv5fAOXykOABUjTZFA_SnLl_YxpXfCGRW2QwiRaLJ/s400/Godfreykneller.jpg" width="330" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Self-portrait', Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1685 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© The National Gallery, London</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Born in Germany and trained as an artist in Amerstam and Italy, <b>Sir Godfrey Kneller</b> later established himself as a leading portrait artist in England. After settling here in 1676, he was introducted to Court circles by the Duke of Monmouth and later appointed as principle painter to the Crown by Charles II. This powerful self-portrait gives us an idea of why his portraits were considered amongst the best produced in Europe at the time. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxCvSV_bNV6IN83Md68pqYQWuv7AFNXDm5iSiQWVY3ArCgNnScLC3opqIu_T1XbFAJYxsXlVeDg57ejTfvo935ljc6Ox9DVexnoAO5x5U6QyGQ8kR5S6_DA5r1qP0Eaufcehz3KtZlkXpK/s400/ramsay.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Self-portrait', Allan Ramsay, c.1737-39 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
'<i>He </i>(Allan Ramsay) <i>and Mr Reynolds...our favourite painters, and two of the very best we ever had' - </i>Horace Walpole.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Born in Edinburgh, <b>Allan Ramsay</b> later studied in London, Rome and Naples and was appointed as painter to George III. It is believed that this early self-portrait was produced in Italy where Ramsay completed his artistic training and shows the influence of the Italian baroque. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ramsay depicts himself wearing a white neck-band and shirt ruffle made from rich velvet drapery. It is believed that a copy of the portrait was framed as a pendant, painted at the time of Ramsay's marriage to his first wife in 1739. </div>
<div>
<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gERoKL2RsW73zbE6_jcZZEeysGOSahjq9uE_Fpd7nISO7cHvvvtCBP2FOrB7nslOsV1Y5BbGradTFuUDY0-MTfwLa-VyLgbxN0Ss8cyGrf-B5xenpiOLkfezMb3XgoH6lRKhqxm799jK/s1600/Hogarthselfportrait.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-gERoKL2RsW73zbE6_jcZZEeysGOSahjq9uE_Fpd7nISO7cHvvvtCBP2FOrB7nslOsV1Y5BbGradTFuUDY0-MTfwLa-VyLgbxN0Ss8cyGrf-B5xenpiOLkfezMb3XgoH6lRKhqxm799jK/s400/Hogarthselfportrait.jpg" width="390" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Self-portrait', William Hogarth c. 1757 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© The National Gallery, London</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In this self-portrait, <b>William Hogarth </b>depicts himself painting Thalia, the Muse of Comedy. Ramsay sits in a large mahogany armchair, wearing an open white shirt, green velvet coat, stockings and brown breeches. He holds a palette knife and brushes and contemplates the white outline of Thalia, who holds a book under her right arm and mask in her left hand. </div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #262727; font-family: arial, helvetica, verdana; font-size: 11.52px; line-height: 15.84px;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9uw3H2ZsI8NwTKXoZmtOSr-iQzsD9LpjoXe1sg-juNbkKLeIWzHe6SNB0C87-np8XJYCBgFX9Ydj7R6fx3WU6MFX5ow5-Zah3bU296DhtnppBMaGsT-SzY6N5GngdzIqD_j8ZAdiL4og1/s400/vanessabell.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'Self-portrait', Vanessa Bell c. 1958. The Charleston Trust </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">© BBC Your Paintings</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b>Vanessa Bell </b>was a central figure in the Bloomsbury Group, alongside her husband Clive Bell and sister Virginia Woolf. Bell's early work conformed to the conventional traditions of the New English Art Club, but was later influenced by the first Post-Impressionism exhibition that took place in 1910 and the progressive ideas of Roger Fry, which surfaced in a stripped back, simplified style of painting defined by bold outlines and non-descriptive colour. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first Post-Impressionist exhibition included works by Cezanne, Gauguin, Van Gogh, Matisee and Picasso, which gave Bell a <i>'sudden liberation and encouragement to feel for oneself, which were absolutely overwhelming.'</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After the First World War, Bell, similarly to other artists of her generation, returned to a more naturalistic style. Bell maintained a lifelong passion for simplified decorative patterns and colour that originated in the creative collaboration of the Omega Workships. This was later reflected in the interiors of Charleston, the Sussex farmhouse that she shared with her husband, as well as her distinctive book-jacket designs for the Hogarth Press. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This self-portrait was painted when Bell was nearly 80 and hangs in the garden room at Charleston. Bell's portraits have often been subject to biographical readings that connect them to the death of her sister Virginia and eldest son Julian Bell. However, if we re-contextualise works such as this self-portrait, we see a lively and forceful artist who paints as a challenging act of self-expression. </div>
</div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-91899657885653496832016-03-04T05:25:00.001-08:002016-03-04T05:25:41.929-08:00Delacroix's portraits<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
To coincide with 'Delacroix and the Rise of Modern Art' that has recently opened at the National Gallery, we take a look at a selection of Delacroix's portraits. As both an exponent of the Grand Style and celebrated as one of the first modern masters, the exhibition pays homage to Delacroix's widespread artistic legacy. Delacroix is acknowledged as the champion of Romanticisim and was much admired by avant-garde painters in Paris including Courbet, Van Gogh, Gauguin and Matisse. </h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>'The first merit of a painting is to be a feast for the eye' - Eug</b></i><b><i>ène Delacroix</i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i>
<br />
<b><i>A painter of '</i></b><i><b>the invisible, the impalpable, reverie, the nerves, the soul; and this he did without any means other than contour and colour' - Charles Baudelaire</b></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">'We all paint in Delacroix's language' - Paul Cezanne</span><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEpvHSd3Fy2JLplEeGtI9WEMBl6jb8dphWyyhjMsS8uKcGRF7B1vYwcAWCYd_j4OwDktulk9uYYTFdpH1VM3rJvxsFU6f1-plpo9938zgAFkQjBCQBDyWZlFTabUBiTHYyVFyFKn9OUw2/s1600/Delacroix_432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMEpvHSd3Fy2JLplEeGtI9WEMBl6jb8dphWyyhjMsS8uKcGRF7B1vYwcAWCYd_j4OwDktulk9uYYTFdpH1VM3rJvxsFU6f1-plpo9938zgAFkQjBCQBDyWZlFTabUBiTHYyVFyFKn9OUw2/s400/Delacroix_432.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eug<span style="line-height: 13.91px;">è</span>ne Del<span style="font-family: inherit;">acroix, 'Self-portrait', about 1837</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 13.91px;">© </span>RMN Grand-Palais (musée du Louvre)/Jean-Gillies Berizzi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Delacroix's strong jaw, intense stare, glossy black hair and sophisticated appearance, accompanied by a sense of antipathy, marks this self-portrait as archetypally Romantic and visually exemplifies why Delacroix was named 'the tiger' by Charles Baudelaire. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYappvxZ1oqJoIJG7I1VibgiRa3ascjBEC8rMTxa4nAHwThHQOHmcRE9i50c249ZYSAkh4_bOtkE-0AWXYXie-Nx5Dt4Jm02eRsMrXTCVuOTf-y9sDVm_FxkuP-fohH6uBLNlDDvicCvCp/s1600/louvre-young-orphan-girl-cemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYappvxZ1oqJoIJG7I1VibgiRa3ascjBEC8rMTxa4nAHwThHQOHmcRE9i50c249ZYSAkh4_bOtkE-0AWXYXie-Nx5Dt4Jm02eRsMrXTCVuOTf-y9sDVm_FxkuP-fohH6uBLNlDDvicCvCp/s400/louvre-young-orphan-girl-cemetery.jpg" width="352" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eug<span style="line-height: 13.91px;">è</span>ne Del<span style="font-family: inherit;">acroix, 'Young orphan Girl in the Cemetery', 1824</span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="line-height: 13.91px;">© M</span>usée du Louvre)/A. Dequier - M. Bard</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This early work by Delacroix was for a long time believed to be a preparatory piece for the 'Massacre at Chios.' The young girl is clearly defined against the more hazy background of the sky and forlorn cemetery. She gazes beyond the frame and her dark-ringed eyes suggest a sense of sadness and solitude that is enhanced by the dark colours and sombre landscape. </div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHownLwgTuD4aMqX69XYcZqX8aoYvzOnVeGPk96uQenl6OzsNlGKRAPksTeay5-ghJEeX1B4Ff7k_VtmP3dsto9qykcY1y8elasUUYa1nhbTbRg6KMo9qpyzcFTr0Qs0pfIcIyKZLAQ9Na/s1600/display_image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHownLwgTuD4aMqX69XYcZqX8aoYvzOnVeGPk96uQenl6OzsNlGKRAPksTeay5-ghJEeX1B4Ff7k_VtmP3dsto9qykcY1y8elasUUYa1nhbTbRg6KMo9qpyzcFTr0Qs0pfIcIyKZLAQ9Na/s400/display_image.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eug</span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.91px;">è</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ne Del</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">acroix, 'Head of a<span style="line-height: 13.91px;"> Woman', 1822 </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">©</span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.91px;">The Athenaeum</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This painting is also referred to as 'A Mad Woman' and reflects a prevailing curiosity in abnormal states of mind that greatly interested artists such as Delacroix and Gericault, who pitched themselves against Enlightenment rationality. There was a common belief at the time that physical appearance gave an insight into character, especially in the case of madness and death. </div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe2UIQCFoOFqPlPjHItLS89emuUOY8DQCVpAnhBuoRIDzcsJ5xXOtwMVvSCDdPLnKzvI00s3_70GlyCHH-vPL7Cz7WCK-QDVql1xWZJfERAfI50Dh61vtDJVOhSk0viIAP9ZSwRxpvu5y/s1600/N-3286-00-000046-wpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbe2UIQCFoOFqPlPjHItLS89emuUOY8DQCVpAnhBuoRIDzcsJ5xXOtwMVvSCDdPLnKzvI00s3_70GlyCHH-vPL7Cz7WCK-QDVql1xWZJfERAfI50Dh61vtDJVOhSk0viIAP9ZSwRxpvu5y/s640/N-3286-00-000046-wpu.jpg" width="420" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eug</span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.91px;">è</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ne Del</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">acroix, 'Louis-Auguste Schwiter', 1826-30 </span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.91px;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This portrait of Louis-Auguste Schwiter, who was himself a landscape and portrait painter, was begun when Delacroix returned to France in 1826 after a period in England. Rejected by the Salon in 1827, Delacroix made alterations to the work and it was later completed in 1830. It is possible that the portrait was influenced by the painter Sir Thomas Lawrence, who was the subject of an essay written by Delacroix in 1829. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Nj1DcwAfjHbqHTH5_eP7ECKJM8N5u2RQH34wn1wVk5GYXJx87TqaofE3YNv6dflegMLafTRUcv_kRMLYL6SwejWDMDmPGknQ7J-gStkpmh6hVc7bJrTEASJSzEuKGZaL6qOm7cqSB9F/s1600/d_delacroix_delacroix55.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU2Nj1DcwAfjHbqHTH5_eP7ECKJM8N5u2RQH34wn1wVk5GYXJx87TqaofE3YNv6dflegMLafTRUcv_kRMLYL6SwejWDMDmPGknQ7J-gStkpmh6hVc7bJrTEASJSzEuKGZaL6qOm7cqSB9F/s400/d_delacroix_delacroix55.jpg" width="325" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Eug</span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.91px;">è</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">ne Del</span><span style="font-size: x-small;">acroix, 'Portrait Frederic Villot' c. 1832 </span><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.91px;">© The National Gallery, Prague</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
This intimate portrait of Marie-Joseph Frederic Villot reflects his good friendship with Delacroix. He was also an engraver and art historian who acted as paintings curator of the Louvre from 1848 -1861. </div>
<br /></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-51938533332101351482016-01-21T07:17:00.002-08:002016-01-21T07:22:44.322-08:00 Portraits of HM Queen Elizabeth II through the decades<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit, serif; font-size: 14pt;">We take a look back
at some of the most memorable and distinguished depictions of HM Queen
Elizabeth II painted during her reign, which includes our artist Nicky
Philipps's full-length portrait that was gifted by The Royal Mail to the her
Majesty and now hangs in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace. The Queen
is one of the most illustrated people of all time and these paintings chart
both the fascinating development of portraiture and shifting approaches to
monarchy.</span></i><b><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://d9y2r2msyxru0.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/collection_object_bootstrap_carousel_/public/collection-online/7/f/258758-1330682313.jpg?itok=vmBEu2fv" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Coronation Portrait of Her Majesty The Queen, Sir Cecil Beaton, Gelatin Silver print, 1953 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">©</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> Royal Collection Trust</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cecil Beaton was chosen to photograph the Queen's coronation in Westminster Abbey on 2nd June 1953, which took place more than a year after the death of King George VI and the Queen's subsequent accession to the throne. Beaton's portrait depicts The Queen holding the Sceptre and Orb and wearing the Imperial State Crown, set against Westminster Abbey. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ObJcOz0WfBbA58nRbCKSxncl7Bjc_9OFAaQEriyuxTpiZPM__jxGn3XOYzipsdusidsisRO46pjwbk6wxC0NGKdi57xcOg7R-hv5dGZC4WwZ4qIu2rTBvc5Ta7lxxPkUse2JVdcm6uVh/s1600/Gunn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2ObJcOz0WfBbA58nRbCKSxncl7Bjc_9OFAaQEriyuxTpiZPM__jxGn3XOYzipsdusidsisRO46pjwbk6wxC0NGKdi57xcOg7R-hv5dGZC4WwZ4qIu2rTBvc5Ta7lxxPkUse2JVdcm6uVh/s640/Gunn.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Herbert James Gunn, Oil on Canvas, 1954 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© the artist's estate, photo credit: Parliamentary Art Collection</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">Standing in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, the Queen is wearing her coronation dress, Diamond Diadem, Queen Victoria's collet diamond necklace, drop earrings and purple Robe of Estate. This state portrait was commissioned to celebrate the Queen's coronation in 1953 and s</span><span style="font-size: small;">he is shown standing beside the Imperial State Crown and Sceptre.</span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">The intricate embroidery on her Majesty's dress, which includes pearls and crystals, allegorical symbols of the Commonwealth as well as wheat sheafs and olive branches, emblems of unanimity and affluence, was carried out by the Royal School of Needlework and took approximately 3,500 hours to complete.</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfMc3FJkdrhvsET8i13UqyTZlmBXt50P1h8l8q_NOig0BbkSoDPt5276KXdb89erXi8fbM1dY3dNq9N6NfIycyzuWzSjmzRJPBiXXgDXFtg3mfnnu3Ehqgd0UUOYV5LVp7ZcWJHL8IP3n/s1600/Annigoni.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIfMc3FJkdrhvsET8i13UqyTZlmBXt50P1h8l8q_NOig0BbkSoDPt5276KXdb89erXi8fbM1dY3dNq9N6NfIycyzuWzSjmzRJPBiXXgDXFtg3mfnnu3Ehqgd0UUOYV5LVp7ZcWJHL8IP3n/s640/Annigoni.jpg" width="417" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Queen Elizabeth II, </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">Pietro Annigoni, O</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">il tempera on board,</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> c. 1950's </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© the artist's estate, photo credit: Jaguar Heritage</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is the Italian artist Pietro Annigoni's first and iconic depiction of the Queen, which was painted for the Worshipful Company of Fishmongers and hangs in Fishmongers Hall. The artist's use of tempera conveys his interest in the Italian Renaissance. In this portrait, the recently crowned Queen is depicted wearing her striking dark blue Order of the Garter within a pastoral setting.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXTKRUVY8EJQctnDSOIrIJm-gEvK3n27Q3cqu5S3JAdhRTzHy5LBNYKpKrfACmSkwqxETjzNRk54T56BNnJb6NUTuef-FiKlIAcRCTBkf_5fQ93dWL3Tt3lhVal9yAq3adcQbTbVWMiEL/s1600/Annigoni+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXTKRUVY8EJQctnDSOIrIJm-gEvK3n27Q3cqu5S3JAdhRTzHy5LBNYKpKrfACmSkwqxETjzNRk54T56BNnJb6NUTuef-FiKlIAcRCTBkf_5fQ93dWL3Tt3lhVal9yAq3adcQbTbVWMiEL/s400/Annigoni+2.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Queen Elizabeth II, Pietro Annigoni, Tempera grassa on paper on panel, 1969 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© The National Portrait Gallery, London</span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">'I did not want to paint her as a film star, I saw her as a monarch, alone in the problems of her responsibility.' - Pietro Annigoni</span></i><br />
<div style="font-size: 12.8px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Fifteen years later, Annigoni was commissioned by the National Portrait Gallery to paint a second portrait of the Queen, which was thoroughly different in approach to the artist's first, more romantic depiction of the monarch. In this instance, she also wears ceremonial robes but is set against an enigmatic and forlorn landscape. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6K7V3leAACS69akYC6If686XNiIv0xoiVSmBc2GBxYgMDnje93EC4opn2DPRP-5hEjdhc2IcYyDiWay5hZwUVRKHSX8sSP-3_MdGF2IzkQt3ae-APwAlEbKWsswkxqR2CcIdJw8JUXHN/s1600/Freud.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc6K7V3leAACS69akYC6If686XNiIv0xoiVSmBc2GBxYgMDnje93EC4opn2DPRP-5hEjdhc2IcYyDiWay5hZwUVRKHSX8sSP-3_MdGF2IzkQt3ae-APwAlEbKWsswkxqR2CcIdJw8JUXHN/s400/Freud.jpg" width="261" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">HM Queen Elizabeth II, Lucian Freud, Oil on Canvas, 2000- 2001 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© Royal Collection Trust 2012 </span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© The Lucian Freud Archive</span></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Unlike other depictions of the Queen, Freud's depiction is a smaller, head and shoulders painting, only 20 centimeters high. The process of painting this expressive and controversial image of the monarch was compared by the artist to a polar expedition. Freud chose to focus particularly on the '<i>inner likeness' </i>of such a well-known and much-publicised face, although after starting the portrait he added the Queen's Diamond Diadem as a way to make her more immediately recognisable. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pitOgK1AsnveUeCkv06V9EcCgFA6jZRxUe_RzF2oP5ldKdr9RkHZe2wnlOVZJ8QWVeDfXqmKp22EYeJ2pkadw9SEPnse6ikCI-60vTzVL30q3GMEv_RKG4QzvK3WIyk91zL32hiXSavE/s1600/HM+Queen+Elizabeth+II+with+Willow%252C+Vulcan%252C+Candy+and+Holly%252C++92+x+50ins%252C+oil+on+canvas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8pitOgK1AsnveUeCkv06V9EcCgFA6jZRxUe_RzF2oP5ldKdr9RkHZe2wnlOVZJ8QWVeDfXqmKp22EYeJ2pkadw9SEPnse6ikCI-60vTzVL30q3GMEv_RKG4QzvK3WIyk91zL32hiXSavE/s640/HM+Queen+Elizabeth+II+with+Willow%252C+Vulcan%252C+Candy+and+Holly%252C++92+x+50ins%252C+oil+on+canvas.jpg" width="344" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">HM Queen Elizabeth II with Willow, Vulcan, Candy and Holly, Nicky Philipps, Oil on Canvas, 2013 <span style="font-size: 12.8px;">© Nicky Philipps</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<i>'There is a dignity to the full-length portrait that Philipps has produced, and it shows her enjoyment in her portrayal of the robes, ''and her desire to make things sparkle''.' - Karen Wright, Art Critic, The Independent</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Commissioned by the Royal Mail Group, Nicky Philipps's full-length portrait of HM The Queen was originally intended to be a head and shoulders for the first-class stamp series celebrating the 60th anniversary of her Majesty's coronation. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Nicky later chose to depict the Queen in her robes, wearing a white dress and crimson sash with the Order of the Garter. Nicky's original portrait was completed in 2013 from original sketches worked on in Buckingham Palace, however in this later version Nicky incorporated the Queen's four corgis into the composition.</span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-1903730302508646262015-12-03T10:17:00.003-08:002015-12-03T10:17:48.604-08:00Nicky Philipps picks her favourite portrait painters<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Nicky Philipps's impressive commissions include a full length portrait of HM Queen Elizabeth II, which hangs in the Throne Room at Buckingham Palace, a double portrait of TRH's Princes William and Harry and Falklands hero Simon Weston OBE. Nicky has also recently starred in </span><span style="font-size: small;">'Goya - Visions of Flesh and Blood', a film that travels to significant places in Spain such as the Prado Museum in Madrid in order to enrich our understanding of Francisco de Goya's life and art. </span></h3>
<div>
<div style="font-style: italic;">
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: small;">'Nicky Philipps paints portraits and still lifes which can be compared with those of John Singer Sargent in their freshness of application and clarity of drawing.' - Desmond Shawe - Taylor, Surveyor of The Queen's Pictures. </span></h3>
</div>
<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Here, we bring together a selection of treasured portraits by some of Nicky's favourite artists:</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Anthony Van Dyck, 1559 - 1641</b></h3>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HF2qhFOQ_GGBfgS20XuWmNzLCpM9bn0muAjuCykmMpln3syDocYOfAf1v4J9sXR6sZ7H1SRNuNixzQtMmpYqLtmZCmhB8Uvm5g3n5sGRzfbAo8zjnkhlgCpBMJp-g8fYqyN_B7KIWwJQ/s1600/Self+portrait%252C+Van+Eyck.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1HF2qhFOQ_GGBfgS20XuWmNzLCpM9bn0muAjuCykmMpln3syDocYOfAf1v4J9sXR6sZ7H1SRNuNixzQtMmpYqLtmZCmhB8Uvm5g3n5sGRzfbAo8zjnkhlgCpBMJp-g8fYqyN_B7KIWwJQ/s400/Self+portrait%252C+Van+Eyck.jpeg" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: small;">'Self-portrait by Sir Anthony van Dyck', 1640-1, <b>© </b>National Portrait Gallery, London</span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<h3>
<b style="text-align: justify;">Diego Velazqzez, 1599 - 1660</b></h3>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGR-FUYXWhI0LUmZAoXXePtExTzMDS9qoM7aho8tSIX5xpRv3xX6ZMzNSa9gL7eKnQQajwkmYyJQbqDhB7iFYWpbNXTy2eq8rnJlOsEc-wr6MEvKDCmeSgTgx9M_upqhmGbPX1l4nSutrl/s1600/Picture+this-+Velazquez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGR-FUYXWhI0LUmZAoXXePtExTzMDS9qoM7aho8tSIX5xpRv3xX6ZMzNSa9gL7eKnQQajwkmYyJQbqDhB7iFYWpbNXTy2eq8rnJlOsEc-wr6MEvKDCmeSgTgx9M_upqhmGbPX1l4nSutrl/s400/Picture+this-+Velazquez.jpg" width="336" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">'Portrait of Innocent X', Diego Velazquez, 1650</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Rembrandt van Rijn, 1606 - 1669</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTKBHzjwhdiAsus-lzHR-9Nues2Y7PMl147KT4uFTzuXc7-hJTEDwX05MO34EQym8r-87OhEb6DHTwlEiBzZurRNWgbEBtZXi4Wi_mm6ENlWiDAx-xbGH9TM3IkcWSIUwG-R0saSiT1LkT/s400/kenwood-rembrandt.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="325" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: start;">'Self-portrait with two circles', Rembrandt Van Rijn, c. 1665 - 9 </span><b style="font-size: medium; text-align: justify;">© </b><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">English Heritage</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Joshua Reynolds, 1723 - 1792</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>'The art of seeing Nature...is in reality the great object, the point to which all our studies are devoted.' - Sir Joshua Reynolds. </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcxkJGqZzp-D26nM0H2-8fqI2mnFTOggM1JYYhzDLDz5l4LbMhIxOH5yOyy6dIxiPz1-fxWSRvWUuCfbYvEKpVdU9de55MFfIJ7iPqsw_oGBiUwe-QFH2-J9yd_2vJMh-Eja1H3_U3IjC/s1600/Sir_Joshua_Reynolds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbcxkJGqZzp-D26nM0H2-8fqI2mnFTOggM1JYYhzDLDz5l4LbMhIxOH5yOyy6dIxiPz1-fxWSRvWUuCfbYvEKpVdU9de55MFfIJ7iPqsw_oGBiUwe-QFH2-J9yd_2vJMh-Eja1H3_U3IjC/s400/Sir_Joshua_Reynolds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">'Sir Joshua Reynolds', Joshua Reynolds, c. 1747-9</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><b style="text-align: justify;">© </b><span style="text-align: justify;">National Portrait Gallery, London</span></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Henry Raeburn, 1756 - 1823</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Adam Ferguson (1723–1816)" src="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/images/paintings/uni/624x544/edi_uni_eu_0012_624x544.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="305" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">'Adam Ferguson', Henry Raeburn c. 1790 </span><span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">© The University of Edinburgh Art Collection</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Thomas Lawrence, 1769 - 183</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://photos-6.dropbox.com/t/2/AAA47rt6b7jgYIRz96NrzyaCgRrbNZ4hw9Yzf2_uSAKK9Q/12/429342767/jpeg/32x32/3/1449180000/0/2/N-0129-00-000019-wpu.jpg/EJOQ47kDGK0zIAIoAg/QuU5roCOCugEf_QVao5_Kyllpu6wxAv5Bye4DPe4Nqw?size_mode=3&size=1280x960" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="299" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">'John Julius Angerstein', Sir Thomas Lawrence, c. 1790 </span><span style="font-size: small;"><b style="text-align: justify;">© </b><span style="text-align: justify;">National Portrait Gallery, London</span></span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<span style="font-weight: bold;">Edouard Manet, 1832 - 1883</span></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/images/paintings/cia/slide/cia_cia_p_1934_sc_234_slide.jpg" height="476" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">'A Bar at the Folies - Bergere', Edouard Manet, 1882 <span style="text-align: justify;">© The Samuel Courtauld Trust, The Courtauld Gallery, London</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>John Singer Sargent, 1856 - 1925</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ5Y-hywQchMk7QZJou6u4yhB2JFvBZvuCvXRv_UaPeQV_cAXMqmw4-M5RrITEKHP7r__vZ5WDy8PrVpGRqvAB69co9RVzyevu9V4g-1wSR154LfVcy02G-TfZ2GyIU5fiBsmwG7q4IN_s/s400/Sargent-+Lady+Agnew.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="315" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;">'Lady Agnew of Lochnaw', John Singer Sargent 1892 </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">© National Galleries of Scotland</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>Philip de Laszlo, 1869 - 1937</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Mrs Philip de László (nee Lucy Guinness) by Philip de László, 1918 Roy Fox Fine Art Photography - © de Laszlo Foundation" src="http://www.npg.org.uk/assets/images/assets/display/NPG_deLaszlo.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="329" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">'Mrs Philip de Laszlo (nee Lucy Guinness)', Philipp de Laszlo, 1918, Rou Fox Fine Art Photography</span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: left;"> </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">© de Laszlo Foundation</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<b>William Orpen, 1878 - 1931</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/arts/yourpaintings/images/paintings/gac/slide/gac_gac_15206_slide.jpg" height="377" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">'David Lloyd George, 1st Earl Lloyd - George of Dwyor, Prime Minister', William Orpen, 1927 </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">© Tate Government Art Collection </span><span style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<h3>
<ul id="short-desc" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 10px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 10px; padding: 0px; text-align: start;"></ul>
</h3>
<h3>
<b>Graham Sutherland, 1903 - 1980</b></h3>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Graham Sutherland OM ‘Somerset Maugham’, 1949
© Tate" src="http://www.tate.org.uk/art/images/work/N/N06/N06034_10.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="291" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">'Somerset Maugham', Graham Sutherland, 1949 </span><span style="font-size: small; text-align: justify;">© Tate</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-34886434677527479152015-10-17T08:12:00.000-07:002015-10-17T08:12:45.799-07:00Must-see landscape paintings in London<h3>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>To coincide with Nicky Philipps's current landscape exhibition, 'Travels with my Paintbox' at Fine Art Commissions, we take a look at some of the gems of the genre housed in London's art galleries:</i></span></h3>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>John Constable, 'Study of Cirrus Clouds,' Victoria and Albert Museum</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtiJoVbld_lLKEo5qonn3OKLVngxYfrdK5Vv2fWousNGp5NuDqImF-vMt5_Fd6N-cyyI_GeE7Y9m5xTyueQATiXyyjkw-jQAZAgITOdQODlGevLVerCIZDvFFc5QhFx3NgCkmS_lZ-X3B/s1600/sirrus+clouds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGtiJoVbld_lLKEo5qonn3OKLVngxYfrdK5Vv2fWousNGp5NuDqImF-vMt5_Fd6N-cyyI_GeE7Y9m5xTyueQATiXyyjkw-jQAZAgITOdQODlGevLVerCIZDvFFc5QhFx3NgCkmS_lZ-X3B/s400/sirrus+clouds.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">John Constable, 'Study of Cirrus Clouds', c. 1822 © Victoria and Albert Museum, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Constable owned Thomas Forster's <i>Researches about Atmospheric Phaenomena, </i>which was accompanied by a series of engravings that illustrated the changes and developments of clouds. Inscribed with 'cirrus' on the reverse of the painting, this study shows the artist's scientific knowledge of cloud formations and accurate observation of the sky. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>J.M.W.Turner, 'The Fighting Temeraire', The National Gallery</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFC2Zjt4IeVLzMUwj4SAn1taBqKhDJ3afSdCVmK4vaWwFiOfw-43Pi6j7l5ZxAyuNunf6LR2kCyR2GMKX9T_n-s5R1lcdAHYBRh9-1-d4zARww2J2jRd0GGqzEkiPIyHfwPVPw2AFNggY/s1600/The_Fighting_Temeraire%252C_JMW_Turner%252C_National_Gallery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxFC2Zjt4IeVLzMUwj4SAn1taBqKhDJ3afSdCVmK4vaWwFiOfw-43Pi6j7l5ZxAyuNunf6LR2kCyR2GMKX9T_n-s5R1lcdAHYBRh9-1-d4zARww2J2jRd0GGqzEkiPIyHfwPVPw2AFNggY/s400/The_Fighting_Temeraire%252C_JMW_Turner%252C_National_Gallery.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">J.M.W. Turner, 'The Fighting Temeraire', 1839, © The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Turner depicts a 98-gun ship that after playing an acclaimed role in Nelson's victory at the Battle of Trafalgar in 1805, became known as the 'Fighting Temeraire.' In 1838, the ship was towed from Sheerness to Rotherhithe to be broken up. Depicted travelling away from the sunset in an easterly direction, it is believed this painting illustrates the abatement of Britain's naval power, evoking a sense of loss that is suggested in parallels between the breathtaking sunset and old warship. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Painted when Turner was in his sixties, the work demonstrates his impressive mastery of the sea and sky. His heavy application of paint for the sun's rays contrasts to the scrupulous depiction of the ship's rigging. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>James Whistler, 'Nocturne: Blue and Gold - Old Battersea Bridge', The Tate Collection</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBn0FTxpEIxNhaU2m3J5nNyoAlyac_Dh9SlxTAh-m7S3DEBy7BU3ckdKrNtc0D9XIAzC3WHW96wjcqCZw74qyxgc9QR7cu6lHtbZrYG3KE1eej9kZUHIR-3F81wr-trRAiAOyOC9BhLpT/s1600/Nocturne.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBn0FTxpEIxNhaU2m3J5nNyoAlyac_Dh9SlxTAh-m7S3DEBy7BU3ckdKrNtc0D9XIAzC3WHW96wjcqCZw74qyxgc9QR7cu6lHtbZrYG3KE1eej9kZUHIR-3F81wr-trRAiAOyOC9BhLpT/s400/Nocturne.jpg" width="302" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">James Abbott McNeill Whistler, 'Nocturne: Blue and Gold - Old Battersea Bridge', c. 1872-5 © Tate, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'By using the word 'nocturne' I wished to indicate an artistic interest alone, divesting the picture of any outside anecdotal interest which might have been otherwise attached to it. A nocturne is an arrangement of line, form and colour' - Whistler. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>'I did not intend to paint a portrait of the bridge, but only a painting of a moonlight scene...My whole scheme was only to bring about a certain harmony of colour.' - Whistler, quoted during the Ruskin Trial. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Similarly to Monet's painting, Whistler also chooses a bridge as his central motif. In this case, the artist depicts Battersea Bridge, with Chelsea Church and the new Albert Bridge illuminating the backdrop. Deemed one of Whistler's most controversial works and used as evidence in the renowned Whistler-Ruskin trial in 1878, the painting was the fifth in the series of Nocturnes produced by Whistler during the 1870's. Named as Nocturnes by Frederick Leyland, whose apt label intended to combine the moonlit subject with its musical associations, Whistler's series captures the serene beauty of the Thames. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Inspired by Japanese woodcuts, such as Hiroshige's 'Moonlight at Ryogoko', Whistler deliberately crops part of the bridge out of the composition and exaggerates its height. Whistler completed sketches and then finished his paintings in his studio from memory, building up the canvas with transparent layers of paint that he thinned beforehand using a combination of copal, turpentine and linseed oil. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Paul Cezanne, 'Mount Sainte-Victoire with Large Pine', The Courtauld Gallery</b></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj6ov93mrFs4P6SNdR8xKppcyZriyuHmvHA-S9h4XFH1iX9yK67tpUXTQ3spKkHjtgfexSckKOKBBqvFmivS2QIiZ4ODwJJD7-u4GZRa3DpTeNfFTGYHlyu3FpdJvX9ZaWq3-oURuayiZ/s1600/Victoire.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj6ov93mrFs4P6SNdR8xKppcyZriyuHmvHA-S9h4XFH1iX9yK67tpUXTQ3spKkHjtgfexSckKOKBBqvFmivS2QIiZ4ODwJJD7-u4GZRa3DpTeNfFTGYHlyu3FpdJvX9ZaWq3-oURuayiZ/s400/Victoire.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Paul Cezanne, 'Mt Sainte-Victoire with Large Pine', c. 1887 © The Courtauld Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cezanne painted many representations of the landscape around his home in southern France, which he used to delve into an experimentation with form and colour. Roger Fry wrote in the catalogue for the 1910 exhibition 'Manet and the Post-Impressionists' in London that Cezanne <i>'showed how it was possible to pass from the complexity of the appearance of things to the geometrical simplicity which design demands.' </i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cezanne's technique differed from other Impressionists; he painted using blocks of colour and strong outlines rater than thick, short daubs of paint, dazzling complementary colours and no definitive outlines. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br style="text-align: start;" /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cezanne's simplified interpretation of the landscape, bold use colour and flattened planes of parallel brushstrokes foreshadowed abstraction and was admired by a younger generation of modernist artists. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Claude Monet, 'The Water-Lily Pond,' The National Gallery</b></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN4jTX_rlQhGl_B3GHf14hI7eqQYQc_HLACF_DeTK0ct81rnvA9qC_Wqx_R4MZb5KeI-PJ85qB0BTorrIAQpIG2VIH4EIUEcjUr-mx_fmHamh4LINyRFwPEFKRERTaZ2E79WJsLfOHYXw/s1600/Monet+Water+Lillies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="383" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXN4jTX_rlQhGl_B3GHf14hI7eqQYQc_HLACF_DeTK0ct81rnvA9qC_Wqx_R4MZb5KeI-PJ85qB0BTorrIAQpIG2VIH4EIUEcjUr-mx_fmHamh4LINyRFwPEFKRERTaZ2E79WJsLfOHYXw/s400/Monet+Water+Lillies.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Claude Monet, 'The Water-Lily Pond', 1899 © The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Following Monet's move to Giverny in 1883, where he lived until he died, he created a water garden and built an arched Japanese style bridge 'for the purpose of cultivating aquatic plants.' Once the garden had fully evolved, Monet painted the motif of the bridge at different times of the day and under differing light conditions. In this instance, the bridge is viewed from the pond itself and is enveloped by lush reeds and willow leaves.</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-37695842938890414492015-09-25T05:40:00.000-07:002015-09-25T05:40:35.923-07:00Our pick of exhibitions to see this winter<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Drawing in Silver and Gold: Leonardo to Jasper Johns</span></b></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>British Museum, until 6 December 2015</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://www.britishmuseum.org/images/virgin_304.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="316" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'Head of the Virgin', Rogier Van der Weyden, Metalpoint on prepared paper, mid 15th century</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This exhibition is the first to recount the technical and artistic development of metalpoint through work by renowned masters ranging from the Renaissance to the present day, including Rogier van der Weyden, Petrus Christus, Leonardo da Vinci, Raphael, Albrecht Durer, Rembrandt, William Holman Hunt and Jasper Johns. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Metalpoint is a challenging technique that uses metal stylus often made of silver, which traces the metal left and allows for exquisitely detailed drawings. The exhibition documents metalpoint's impressive variety as well as its revival during the 19th century when there was a renewed interested in the Renaissance.<br />
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Simon Schama's Face of Britain</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>National Portrait Gallery, until 4 January 2016</i></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Simon Weston, by Nicola Jane ('Nicky') Philipps, 2014 - NPG 6984 - © National Portrait Gallery, London (NPG 6984) Commissioned jointly by the National Portrait Gallery and the BBC, 2013 " src="http://images.npg.org.uk/264_325/7/8/mw245678.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="274" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Simon Weston', Nicky Philipps, Oil on Canvas, 2014 <span style="font-size: x-small;">© National Portrait Gallery, London</span><span style="font-size: 12.8px;"> </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img alt="NPG P490(16)" src="http://images.npg.org.uk/264_325/0/7/mw08607.jpg" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="312" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'Winston Churchill'. Yousuf Karsh, 1941, <span style="color: #262626; line-height: 18px; text-align: start;">© Karsh/ Camera Press</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>'Nicky Philipps' portrait of the Falklands veteran Simon Weston...is that rare thing: a good contemporary portrait in oil.' - Bendor Grosvenor</b></i></div>
<br />
In partnership with the BBC, historian Simon Schama's exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery brings together British art and history in order to explore the development, nature and significance of portraiture over the centuries. Working closely with curators, this exhibition gives us for the first time the opportunity to view the genre of portraiture through the themes of Power, Love, Fame, People and Self.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Goya: The Portraits</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<b style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: start;">
<i>National Gallery, 7 October 2015 - 10 January 2016</i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdFKFDtEDlzkng_tJLi8QREdPZW7bvbs4Rd-3ylmCJ_Bi_BZJA7xDw8IjVFXqQh1VFBCW8qynkOLDqYCCbFNkvWmSf1FF9EOOKyY51y9T6awJktPOnUNDTxDqIaTbl6GxJlGRa0c55YdZ/s1600/Goya+Portraits+X7173.pr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdFKFDtEDlzkng_tJLi8QREdPZW7bvbs4Rd-3ylmCJ_Bi_BZJA7xDw8IjVFXqQh1VFBCW8qynkOLDqYCCbFNkvWmSf1FF9EOOKyY51y9T6awJktPOnUNDTxDqIaTbl6GxJlGRa0c55YdZ/s400/Goya+Portraits+X7173.pr.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'Self-portrait before an Easel', Francisco de Goya, Oil on Canvas, 1792-95 © Museo de la Real Academia de Bellas Artes de San Fernando, Madrid </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This landmark exhibition showcases the development of Goya's skilfully arresting portraits from his first commission, aged 37, to paint the Spanish Prime Minister, Count Floridablanca to his later, more private works painted during the 1820's when he was in France during a 'self-imposed exile.'<br />
<br />
During his extensive career, Goya secured commissions from across Spanish society, including the royal family, politicians, military figures and aristocrats. Following a bout of serious illness in his mid-40's, Goya became deaf. Nevertheless, his portraiture excelled and his ground-breaking abilities makes him one of Spain's most admired painters and highly respected by artists such as Delacroix, Degas and Picasso. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Bridget Riley, Learning from Seurat</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i><br /></i></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Courtauld Gallery, until 17 January 2016</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img alt="Bridge at Courbevoie" src="http://courtauld.ac.uk/wp-content/uploads/port/ol/P-1948-SC-394-tif-10608-1024x861.jpg" height="335" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'Bridge at Courbevoie', Georges Seurat, 1886-87, The Samuel Courtauld Trust © The Courtauld Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When Bridget Riley painted a copy of Seurat's <i>Bridge at Courbevoie </i>in 1959<i>, </i>it represented a momentous development in her artistic exploration and marked a new awareness of colour and perception. This intimate exhibition brings together Seurat's painting with a variety of Riley's early works and showcases how she became inspired to produce the abstract paintings characterised by repeated geometric patterns for which she is most well known today. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jean - Etienne Liotard</span></b><br />
<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Royal Academy, 24 October 2015 - 31 January 2016</i></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img src="https://d1inegp6v2yuxm.cloudfront.net/royal-academy/image/upload/c_limit,dpr_1.0,f_auto,w_350/rek8sdlvlcxmkx7ciuhq.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'Julie de Thellusson-Ployard', Jean-Etienne Liotard, Pastel on vellum, 1760, Museum Oskar Reinhart. Rodolphe Dunki, Geneva; acquired 1935 Photo SIK-ISEA. Photography; Philipp Hitz</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jean-Etienne Liotard was an outlandish and unique portraitist who vividly captured the splendour of the Enlightenment. Liotard was a master of self-promotion as well as an extensive traveller; known as 'the Turk' following a voyage to the Ottoman Empire during which he wore Oriental costume, he painted expatriates as well as what he saw around him. At the height of his power, Liotard painted members of the royal family from Britain, France and Austria and created alluring portraits in his trademark of pastels on parchment. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Frank Auerbach</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><br /></b></span><i>Tate Britain, 9 October 2015 - 13 March 2016</i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img alt="Frank Auerbach Head of J.Y.M ll 1984-85" src="http://images.tate.org.uk/sites/default/files/styles/grid-normal-8-cols/public/images/auerbach.jpg?itok=5gAjyry9" height="400" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="370" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'Head of J.Y.M II', Frank Auerbach, Oil on Canvas, 1984-85, Private Collection © Frank Auerbach</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span style="font-size: small;">'This part of London is my world. I've been wandering around these streets for so long that i've become attached to them and as fond as people are to their pets.' - Auerbach</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Auerbach has lived in Camden Town, London, for 50 years and it remains a focal point of his work. Painting daily, Auerbach abandons his work, scraping back to the canvas surface and starting again, repeatedly, until the painting comes together in a few hours. This show brings together paintings and drawings from the 1950s to the present day to emphasise the artist's acute perception of depth, texture and space and to highlight how his remarkable paintings can be viewed in isolation, documenting a process whereby the artist paints the same sitters or locations in a continual cycle. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Masters of the Everyday: Dutch Artists in the Age of Vermeer</span></b><br />
<i><br /></i><i>The Queen's Gallery, 13 November 2015 - 14 February 2016 </i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><img height="400" src="https://d9y2r2msyxru0.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/collection_object_bootstrap_carousel_/public/collection-online/9/3/261196-1331635429.jpg?itok=E1XI9AOK" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="347" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">'A Lady at the Virginal with a Gentleman', 'The Music Lesson, ' Johannes Vermeer, Oil on Canvas, 1662-5, Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2015</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Displaying 20 masterpieces from the Royal Collection by artists including Pieter de Hooch and Johannes Vermeer, the exhibition celebrates how Dutch artists painted everyday life - eating, drinking, domestic tasks, music recitals, family games - with extraordinary and meticulous skill, producing dazzling paintings that often insinuated a deeper meaning or contained moral messages recognised by the contemporary viewer. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm;">
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-40347232224855882332015-09-18T04:52:00.004-07:002015-09-18T04:52:56.917-07:00Female selfies in the National Portrait Gallery, London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Angelica Kauffmann, by Angelica Kauffmann, circa 1770-1775 - NPG 430 - © National Portrait Gallery, London" src="http://images.npg.org.uk/800_800/4/0/mw03540.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="531" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px; text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 13.696px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Angelica Kauffman, Oil on Canvas c. 1770-75 © National Portrait Gallery, London</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Kauffman's self-portrait was one of many that celebrated her identity as a female painter. Depicted with the tools of her trade, Kauffman's modest but nonetheless self-assured pose asserts that her professional status is in keeping with the righteousness deemed appropriate for a woman. Kauffman's international reputation was such that in 1768 she became one of the Royal Academy's founding members. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
Laura Knight was the first artist to be made a dame and the first woman to become a full member of the Royal Academy. Knight had not been allowed to attend life drawing classes at art school, which she found deeply frustrating. Nevertheless, this seminal self-portrait emphasises her skill at depicting the nude figure. The vibrant red tones and sophisticated composition visualise the freedom and courage she found after joining the Newlyn school in 1907, an artistic community in Cornwall. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhFG7tVN9a234CwXVEKVuzEFEiy5pdM3yKf9-KtoG_R1V7b6d3RP5Zi6W8OrWOvgaTeBrYCM5Laomps26E2tfvlna0Qn_E301zRfg2A2cSoo8fnZQhNv8_pdId_SZFE_7N2HpoIgbqfAynCoD9967n5Sm_kMP6CN65INlA3WzNfawoWBCA0WFLKQl6rxA=" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="523" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small; line-height: 13.696px;">Self-portrait, Dame Laura Knight, Oil on Canvas, 1913 © National Portrait Gallery, London</span><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F02602%2Fself-portrait_2602641c.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/proxy/AVvXsEhFG7tVN9a234CwXVEKVuzEFEiy5pdM3yKf9-KtoG_R1V7b6d3RP5Zi6W8OrWOvgaTeBrYCM5Laomps26E2tfvlna0Qn_E301zRfg2A2cSoo8fnZQhNv8_pdId_SZFE_7N2HpoIgbqfAynCoD9967n5Sm_kMP6CN65INlA3WzNfawoWBCA0WFLKQl6rxA=" -->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-23890137043993480052015-09-03T10:18:00.001-07:002015-09-03T10:18:43.118-07:00Nicky Philipps tells us about the greats that inspire her landscape painting<h3 style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">To coincide with Nicky
Philipps's first solo exhibition of landscape paintings, 'Travels
with my Paintbox', which opens at Fine Art Commissions on 7th
October, we asked who inspires her work:</span></i></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">J.M.W. Turner</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'I love Turner's wild brushstrokes and the amount of paint
he used. He painted with huge freedom and energy and discovered the romantic
in every view.'</b></span></i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv7W0U9Vd7K3ToNKvPIIMOCvAxAQE6HQtv1MG0EKbOE8KeCdrFGCwD1rCHEVjCUTNgw2cYi0dNzsoL9Uf_wUJbf57W7tRuj3ALtY_tri5J3cWRuKI1sq3ObrrdPJhe4iPSk6uOEwKSrpI/s1600/N-0538-00-000022-wpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEv7W0U9Vd7K3ToNKvPIIMOCvAxAQE6HQtv1MG0EKbOE8KeCdrFGCwD1rCHEVjCUTNgw2cYi0dNzsoL9Uf_wUJbf57W7tRuj3ALtY_tri5J3cWRuKI1sq3ObrrdPJhe4iPSk6uOEwKSrpI/s400/N-0538-00-000022-wpu.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'Rain, Steam and Speed,' 1844 © The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJBGBdFdCwE1kTwV86oc0gf-R1Q7TnMSzdo3P52CR_kZfLtMzrami_HwKRXvpMJz_HRQKAA7Fwpm4SsowMPtwPeLOAivBvkh2OlnTrIH-12Ipg0ob93G4ZSpfiTLRcH4oSZ-Apf5XuqLN/s1600/N-1984-00-000010-wpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmJBGBdFdCwE1kTwV86oc0gf-R1Q7TnMSzdo3P52CR_kZfLtMzrami_HwKRXvpMJz_HRQKAA7Fwpm4SsowMPtwPeLOAivBvkh2OlnTrIH-12Ipg0ob93G4ZSpfiTLRcH4oSZ-Apf5XuqLN/s400/N-1984-00-000010-wpu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Margate (?) from the sea', 1835-40 <span style="font-size: x-small;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Jean-Baptiste-Camille Corot</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">'Corot is one of the few painters who made sense out of
green. It is an impossible colour to work with but instead of the heavy sap
greens of summer, his are very gentle, greyish hues that still appear true to
life.</span><span style="font-family: inherit;">'</span></b></i><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: justify;">
<i><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></i></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglluqv74TUBdfOW-0jRy44L0TS2fRIbpi_6X_EkLeZZVS2wshCPohsbInVaobXaMbycgbDvGSAsIfCgi8JhLMknKpuo1KLh0FmNt54Voel8np9XXS3lGrFn2253ZPmTV4xUWjtrjx1lV4/s1600/N-6339-00-000017-wpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgglluqv74TUBdfOW-0jRy44L0TS2fRIbpi_6X_EkLeZZVS2wshCPohsbInVaobXaMbycgbDvGSAsIfCgi8JhLMknKpuo1KLh0FmNt54Voel8np9XXS3lGrFn2253ZPmTV4xUWjtrjx1lV4/s400/N-6339-00-000017-wpu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'Dardagny, Morning', 1853 <span style="font-size: x-small;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6jBoNTIXib7jm5KAc6enAEOJx3FuUsBY49G3qE7xH7SLJXxdaKMw9HZftk9UMeKdqbimBiq0WCCW8syRAMyGOoaaxqPLmnOY0VpzNcNy4ejbCZaTW_hyphenhyphenbPt2zR_Irok8e_eHhS7w-PqE/s1600/N-2625-00-000020-wpu.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="327" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD6jBoNTIXib7jm5KAc6enAEOJx3FuUsBY49G3qE7xH7SLJXxdaKMw9HZftk9UMeKdqbimBiq0WCCW8syRAMyGOoaaxqPLmnOY0VpzNcNy4ejbCZaTW_hyphenhyphenbPt2zR_Irok8e_eHhS7w-PqE/s400/N-2625-00-000020-wpu.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">'The Leaning Tree Trunk', 1860-65 <span style="font-size: x-small;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-size: large;">Edward Seago</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center;">
<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>'Edward Seago spent much of his early life on
his back for medical reasons observing the clouds and is a master of skies. Sometimes
I will wake up and think 'that is a
Seago sky', so instantly recognisable are his colours. I think it is a
testament to his ability to capture an exact moment in the day: the pink sirrus
clouds of a balmy July evening, or the yellow sky that appears just before a
November thunderstorm.’ </b></span></i><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVut7rmApN2s_o-Gz9KCo8oUUsFuaIAoJbnRdU7GEG4-rVfMmHmMwwM5AwG_HcTV0gZM9bdJloIverdnuuSSCgGfb0d2_ISrqPj1shP_eFliDCFvkiR7NVEC5_TQwWRTLap7WCh8Ik5Fl/s1600/nfk_ncm_nwhcm_1977_481_3_slide.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVut7rmApN2s_o-Gz9KCo8oUUsFuaIAoJbnRdU7GEG4-rVfMmHmMwwM5AwG_HcTV0gZM9bdJloIverdnuuSSCgGfb0d2_ISrqPj1shP_eFliDCFvkiR7NVEC5_TQwWRTLap7WCh8Ik5Fl/s400/nfk_ncm_nwhcm_1977_481_3_slide.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'Evening Haze, Thurne Dyke, Norfolk', © Seago Estate, courtesy of Portland Gallery, London. Photo Credit: Norfolk Museums Service.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK-FLY84HAcVc1P6cgzqs2PVzUsgwXJdcoYiLNnwNKeBwSGPATCy5Ja4sbNlUx6qm92IQCCsBjO6lU_NkzZZUzlr1oydM1_eNtba9xYaGwSlrvPtlB7oafAsV2TJwQY3ud8Amjsc9u5bp-/s400/nfk_scv_uea_41279_624x544.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">'The River at Earlham, Norfolk', © Seago Estate, courtesy of Portland Gallery, London. Photo Credit: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, University of East Anglia. </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-48495859046919031922015-08-20T06:44:00.000-07:002015-08-20T06:44:47.610-07:00HIGHLIGHTS: Artemisia Gentileschi in the Royal Collection, London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img height="400" src="https://d9y2r2msyxru0.cloudfront.net/sites/default/files/styles/collection_object_bootstrap_carousel_/public/collection-online/d/c/261201-1331744692.jpg?itok=Fyo3AE9Y" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="295" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Royal Collection Trust/© Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II 2015</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This cultivated work, entitled 'Self-portrait as the Allegory of Painting' (c.1638-9), is one of only a few surviving self-portraits by Artemisia Gentileschi. In this instance, she playfully depicts herself as the female personification of painting. Gentileschi cleverly combines self-portraiture and allegory in a single image, which has its precedent in works such as a portrait medal by Felice Antonio Casoni that honours Cremonese painter Lavinia Fontana. It is believed that Gentileschi completed the portrait in England, after she was invited to visit in 1638 by King Charles I. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This allegorical work embodies the Iconologia of Cesare Ripa, which was a widely used handbook that described painting as a <i>'beautiful woman, with full black hair, dishellleved, and twisted in various ways, with arched eyebrows that show imaginative thought, the mouth covered with a cloth tied behind her ears, with a chain of gold at her throat from which hangs a mask, and has written in front ''imitation.''</i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gentileschi is leaning over a stone slab used to grind pigments, wearing a brown apron over her green dress and holding the tools of her trade - a brush and palette. It is possible that the brown area behind Gentileschi is a blank canvas. Areas of the ground remain exposed, suggesting shadow, which is skilfully rendered in the white edge of her rolled up sleeve as it meets the dark shadow of the exposed ground. Gentileschi has tactfully depicted herself in the act of painting and her pose suggests that she may have positioned herself in between facing mirrors. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gentileschi's remarkable and unusual status as a female artist strengthened her appeal for collectors, including antiquarian Cassiano dal Pozzo and this compelling portrait enriched the concept of the elevated status of the artist. </div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-31883202667358847312015-08-17T10:42:00.001-07:002015-08-18T02:45:27.546-07:00HIGHLIGHTS: Frans Hals at The Wallace Collection, London<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F_5xA1yIbBR3GkS2fmbx2i0ZDxFYBjzg2JnaRGS0CHaWSF32EdfVyraBdCpg8H2uEIYPpqvKm2ZXxQ1-fSp9XfoXj0Led48aJVDzlt_0YoKc2K_zsBiO1xivOpc1rZKhQuERdEusgrLS/s1600/Frans+Haal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_F_5xA1yIbBR3GkS2fmbx2i0ZDxFYBjzg2JnaRGS0CHaWSF32EdfVyraBdCpg8H2uEIYPpqvKm2ZXxQ1-fSp9XfoXj0Led48aJVDzlt_0YoKc2K_zsBiO1xivOpc1rZKhQuERdEusgrLS/s400/Frans+Haal.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">The Laughing Cavalier, Frans Hals, 1624 ©The Wallace Collection, London</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In this lively half-length portrait, an unknown sitter is depicted close to the picture plane against a plain, grey background. By the time the painting was completed, Hals had painted several portraits as well as a group portrait of a civic militia company. This work is considered Hals's most famous piece, exhibiting the skillful way he animates his subjects. The sitter has his hand on hip, which euxdes a self-confidence that characterises several of Hals's portraits as well as giving the painting more depth. Painted with both fine and broader brushwork, the painting is unique in the artist's oeuvre for its vibrant colour; the sitter wears an exuberant doublet covered with fanciful motifs and a striking gilded pommel is discernable at his elbow. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The purpose of the portrait has never been fully established, although it is believed that the man's costume may provide us with useful clues. The motifs on his doublet, which are embroidered in gold, red and white thread, include arrows, lovers' knots and a flaming cornucopiae - all symbolic of the pleasures and sorrow of love. As connotations of courtship, it is possible that the work functions as a betrothal portrait, yet no companion piece has been found. The motif of the Caduceus, an attribute of the Roman God Mercury, has also led art historians to believe that this alludes to commerce and thus that the work depicts the wealthy textile merchant Tieleman Roosterman, </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
In 1865, the painting was at the centre of a bidding war at a Paris auction between 4th Marquess of Hertford and Baron James de Rothschild, acquired by the former for the wealthy sum of 51,000 francs. In 1888, it was given the title 'The Laughing Cavalier' when exhibited at the Royal Academy, which emphasises the conviviliaty of the portrait. This is reinforced by the low, commanding viewpoint and the sitter's pompous pose, upturned moustache and shining eyes. </div>
<ul style="background-color: white; color: #404040; font-family: Verdana, Geneva, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 19.2000007629395px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
</ul>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-81985536059384525762015-08-07T08:25:00.001-07:002015-08-07T08:25:12.688-07:00HIGHLIGHTS: Goya and Gainsborough at the Courtauld Gallery, London<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>The 18th century permanent collection at the Courtauld Gallery houses magnificent examples of English portraiture, including the only full-length portrait by Francisco Goya in Britain and Thomas Gainsborough's enthralling and affectionate painting of his wife Margaret:</i></span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img alt="Portrait of Don Francisco de Saavedra" src="http://www.artandarchitecture.org.uk/assets/aa_image/700/d/f/5/1/df51285dad16d607706708eb14d862dbe9b68ad1.jpg" height="640" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="376" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 10px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Francisco de Goya, Portrait of Don Francisco de Saavedra, 1798 The Courtauld Gallery, London</span></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Goya's painting of Spanish politician Francisco de Saavedra was part of a double commission; the artist also painted Saavedra's close friend and ally Gaspar de Jovellanos. Both men were appointed to the two highest political offices in Spain: Minister of Finance and Minister of State. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Saavedra sits facing the right, on a round-backed chair. Well-known for his sincerity, Saavedra seems poised as if to leave his paper-strewn desk. It is possible that the portrait's simple background shows Goya's knowledge of 18th century English portraiture, while also acknowledging Saavedra's wellordered and 'English' household. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/lowres-picturecabinet.com/53/main/11/161857.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 10px; text-align: start;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Portrait of Margaret Gainsborough, c.1779, The Courtauld Gallery, London</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Margaret Burr married Gainsborough at the young age of 18 and it is believed that this portrait celebrates her 50th birthday. The intimacy of this painting is shown in Margaret's frontal pose, direct gaze and subtle smile. Margaret wears a mantle lined with black lace, which is draped over her head and shoulders. It is formed from an energetic swirl of brush-strokes that begin around her head and continue in the positioning of her hands. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Gainsborough's rhythmic brushwork became increasingly evident towards the latter part of his career. He also experimented with the effects of transparency and light. This is visible in the strong silhouette of Margaret's mantle, which is illuminated by the light source behind her left side. This reflects Gainsborough's experiments with the contemporary fashion of painting transparent images on glass, which when lit from behind by candlelight could produce a luminous and dynamic light. </div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2280968892679225060.post-13936665276002015442015-07-31T08:47:00.000-07:002015-07-31T08:55:34.988-07:00Round-up of our favourite paintings in London and Paris<h3 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"><i>From masterpieces by the Italian Renaissance painter Giovanni Battista Moroni to French Impressionist Gustave Caillebotte, our Gallery Manager Rosie picks a selection of her favourite paintings:</i></span></h3>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgssK5fWZpzWax7WrWR4k8-AwfJefop2Yyvf1q3gcNfuxnE22hjUZqo0ESFVYgttKiy-fxLQyJ_tBXR54w6Ga30m1OF13LUR6U1yaln6hhhbFocGUmmz7BmXQTMIYeb8ikqx0MBborz8sD4/s400/Arnolfini.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">Jan Van Eyck, 'The Arnolfini Portrait', 1434 </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This iconic double portrait depicts Giovannni di Nicolao Arnolfini, a member of a merchant family from Lucca and his wife in a luxurious interior. It has been suggested that Giovanni's wife is pregnant, although her full-skirted dress conforms to contemporary fashion. Van Eyck has playfully inscribed the painting with an ornate Latin signature that reads 'Jan Van Eyck was here 1434.' </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-weight: normal;"></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmlk85vY38hiA8zTZBy0qNgXHHhZpMj0BPo0lu3xFFQBFXh8U5mdcg4v-uixfXaXmUA5tfIP2SU1RIS0BHvdK8s7kMPCZQTLa9Ffp_cNjuspmpzmBJq6pkM0LZZmrzkl7O2lp7p4d6Ipo/s1600/Moroni+Tailor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYmlk85vY38hiA8zTZBy0qNgXHHhZpMj0BPo0lu3xFFQBFXh8U5mdcg4v-uixfXaXmUA5tfIP2SU1RIS0BHvdK8s7kMPCZQTLa9Ffp_cNjuspmpzmBJq6pkM0LZZmrzkl7O2lp7p4d6Ipo/s400/Moroni+Tailor.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Giovanni Battista Moroni, 'The Tailor', 1565-70 © The National Gallery, London</span><br />
<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: small;">Giovanni Battista Moroni was one of the greatest portraitists of 16th century Italy, widely respected for his skilful depiction of exact likeness and psychological depth. </span></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoxRhS2YP6WpFoLlHhWU3tAhOXX0p5OjmOCtB7TDdCgE1yukKNCVJ_NnwU7ii0Y0uvOqEH3tBjwMwutknaMIQueneiTBo9MkyepTJACT_Xd5kfOoGIDA7ozVNA9uliCZ6YrT3cwdBmL31/s1600/Rubens+sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDoxRhS2YP6WpFoLlHhWU3tAhOXX0p5OjmOCtB7TDdCgE1yukKNCVJ_NnwU7ii0Y0uvOqEH3tBjwMwutknaMIQueneiTBo9MkyepTJACT_Xd5kfOoGIDA7ozVNA9uliCZ6YrT3cwdBmL31/s400/Rubens+sketch.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Peter Paul Rubens, 'A Lion Hunt'. 1614-15 © The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This violent grisaille sketch takes visual inspiration from Leonardo Da Vinci's fresco of 'The Battle of Anghiari', which was destroyed in 1557. Eastern hunters on horseback attempt to fight off a lion who attemots to drag one of them to the ground. Another figure is shown killing a lion and there is a corpse beneath the horses. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9VqFQLQbOAHoCOsffrOaeZL84fWlSO-ST-f9B9PeEy6ZxFFq7zwne6VEWNEUYBxQrX54rA2vQRY289lfMitHkeKF2e6sVtJbBVmmDOFSxrbD2xS6DfSqf4HXvlAITrO11DE8rN6_xXpeQ/s400/Rembrandt+Recumbant+Lion.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-small;">Rembrandt van Rijn, 'Recumbent Lion facing Right', 1660-65 © Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Rembrandt favoured drawing what he saw around him, unlike other artists who relied on paintings by predecessors. At the age of 46, Rembrandt saw a real lion in Amsterdam, which he sketched directly, capturing its powerful anatomy with impressive accuracy. </span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fH2m5qLzDyy-SL2OKnvGloUHy6gWv7tt0eGykUe6FIh-1Hdjk9ByUw6KP6v_mTO47RLK9VwWX2fIfyhqe5gGeigm2NVIDjEfLj1JlMi-mHC9Ua0Xk-BH0-uKn81kh00f6sHwouWhuC1E/s1600/The+Hay+Wain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-fH2m5qLzDyy-SL2OKnvGloUHy6gWv7tt0eGykUe6FIh-1Hdjk9ByUw6KP6v_mTO47RLK9VwWX2fIfyhqe5gGeigm2NVIDjEfLj1JlMi-mHC9Ua0Xk-BH0-uKn81kh00f6sHwouWhuC1E/s400/The+Hay+Wain.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John Constable, 'The Hay Wain', 1821 <span style="font-size: x-small;">© The National Gallery, London</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This famous painting was first exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1821, but failed to attract a buyer. However, when it was shown in France, Constable was awarded a Gold medal by Charles X. The painting depicts a horse-drawn cart in the foreground, a cottage rented by farmer Willy Lott on the left and in the distance, a meadow with a group of haymakers at work. This was one of the many <i>en plein air </i>sketches that Constable created of the traditional Suffolk countryside, which he then used to make full-size preparatory oil sketches back in his studio in London. </div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwcIDk3AoAo25qeVEYd4pOjHd5F0BYORNl7BCNPd4LGrU6guR60bQbMU0OOVoQk7Rpi4QOE0FwRHNWeOqWRcU3OUnFCkn9SOTFWfF4aAzSjXALh7cZQ6IxQ9cNcTSC1dHbgUq6i55qPZU/s1600/Caillbotte.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwcIDk3AoAo25qeVEYd4pOjHd5F0BYORNl7BCNPd4LGrU6guR60bQbMU0OOVoQk7Rpi4QOE0FwRHNWeOqWRcU3OUnFCkn9SOTFWfF4aAzSjXALh7cZQ6IxQ9cNcTSC1dHbgUq6i55qPZU/s400/Caillbotte.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gustav Caillebotte, 'The Floor Scrapers', 1875 <span style="font-size: x-small;">© Musee D'Orsay, Paris</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
This realist painting was revolutionary in subject as it was one of the first representations of the urban proletariat. City workers had been rarely painted in comparison to peasants or countryfolk depicted by artists such as Millet or Courbet. Caillebotte was academically trained under Bonnat, which is evident in the high viewpoint, alignment of the floorboards and nude torsos. In 1875, the painting was rejected by the Jury at the Salon, who were shocked by its 'vulgar subject matter.' Caillebotte used his academic training in order to explore the contemporary world in a groundbreaking way. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09685672020346946871noreply@blogger.com0