Viewing art, studying art and writing about art, gives me more pleasure than almost any other activity. It stimulates my senses, my emotions and engages my brain, but most of all it has the capacity to reach into me and warm my soul. Recently, it has inspired me to want to create art of my own and so I have embarked on an artistic journey, with the intention of finding my own creative voice and also to learn new skills, in particular how to use colour and paint.
I was a creative child which led to my studying fashion and textiles at art school. Afterwards I dabbled in art, taking drawing classes before becoming interested in black and white photography. I think that deep down I’ve always wanted to become an artist and if not now, when? Creative dabbling is not enough, I want to focus on producing something interesting and meaningful, something that represents me. My starting point is to look for inspiration and where else would I find this but in the art I love.
I have gathered together images of some of my favourite paintings and created a Pinterest board. I want to think about why I like them and whether they share any commonalities. I am curious as to how they might stimulate my own ideas. Below are screen shots of my board.
The selection features Impressionist and Post-Impressionist art and some from the Renaissance and 17th century. I would say that my favourite artists from the modern period are Cezanne, Bonnard, Matisse and Morisot; and from earlier periods include Botticelli, Raphael, Vermeer, Rembrandt and Poussin . So what does this selection tell me?
Colour dominates, colour that is warm, vibrant, with many complementary and contrasting hues. Texture, colour and pattern create decorative effects. The subject matter is largely still-life, interiors and the female figure. Compositions have shortened perspective, foreground interest, cut-off subject matter and diagonal lines. Overall there is a sense of harmony, intimacy but also energy and in some the suggestion of a story. All are beautiful and compelling.
I am not surprised by the preponderance of still-life and women, as these subjects are a favourite of mine and featured strongly in my earlier drawings and photography. I am taken aback by the abundance of vibrant colour, which is evident even in the earlier works. I had not realised just how much I was drawn to strong colour. Of course, it takes great skill to know how to use it effectively and these works are worthy of close study. Also of great significance is the complexity of the individual compositions, which add as much to the impact of the works as the use of colour and are integral to their success.
Subject, colour, composition… there is much to be inspired by in these works, so let the journey begin.