Redon - The artist part 2

Contrast, contrast, contrast and complementary colours. This pastel drawing by Redon is brilliant. Once again the subject is, plonk, in the middle of the page and yet it works.

What is the shell sitting on? It appears like nothing, yet there is a feeling of a solid surface. There is also a wonderful use of complementary colours. The sharp, definite lines on the shell make a wonderful contrast that projects the subject out.

This is anther one of Redons works that I could look at for ages. To me this is a drawing that has everything and is a perfect example of a perfect drawing.

Picture courtesy of Webmuseum, Paris

http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/redon/

REDON THE ARTIST - PART 1

Please let me introduce you to an artist that I know very little about. I have owned a small book about him for years and have largely overlooked him. This time however it was like POW look at those wonderful works. The use of colour is extraordinarily bold, it’s like they go BANG!

I was also interested in some of his portraits and how he places the subject on the page. I would never consider attempting some of these compositions and yet as I look at them, they work. That’s what matters in art is “does it work?”

I really want to draw your attention to this particular piece called “red boat with blue sail”

Picture courtesy of the webmuseum, Paris

http://www.ibiblio.org/wm/paint/auth/redon/

My first impression of this work that I down loaded was “wow”. Immediately I was struck by the composition. To me it would seem too easy to plonk the subject right into the middle of the page and yet I wouldn’t want it any other way. It works well with the colours and the gentle waves scoop your eyes up and it feels complete. He is like a master at handling colour and yet it appears childlike.

For me this painting is about colour and the boat is an excuse to express that. The sky is full of soft vibrant colour, the ocean is full of the same type of colour treatment and in direct contrast the boat and sail have sharp, striking and vibrant colours.

It is an exciting piece to look at and very inspiring. The colours are delicious. I say that I would paint a painting with such colour gusto. Could I possibly attempt such compositions?

COROT - THE ARTIST

At first glance I really didn’t find Corot’s paintings all that appealing, yet as I took a anther look I found myself enthralled and drawn in.

Why is this?

I believe it is how he uses colour and shape. He, in many of his sketches involved a loose painting stroke which invokes a feeling of freedom. He captures the atmosphere of his subject and you’re taken there. These paintings do not bore me but inspire me. I am glad that I took a second glance.

Below is a couple of Corot's paintings.

Pictures courtesy of http://www.artunframed.com/Corot.htm

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