Welcome to the Filbert Splosh Newsletter. Your comments, suggestions or contributions are welcome.
Featured Artist: Marjorie Stockley
“When I was 13 or 14 years old, I had an Art Master who tore up all my work because he said it was not ART. This discouraged me somewhat! Slowly, over the next 50 years, I began to think he was wrong and that I should try to find out if I could draw and paint. But it took another 10 years before anything happened. Then I picked up one of Paul’s leaflets advertising his courses. I already knew Paul and this gave me confidence to enrol in one of his classes. With trepidation I arrived at the hall.The first thing I did was absolutely lousy. I felt so awful that I could have gone home. But by the end of the day I had produced something which – whilst miles from being any good – at least gave me hope. Since then I have been on many of Paul’s courses, and everytime I have gone home feeling I have made a step forward.
I have now got to the stage where I know that, with Paul’s help, one day I will produce something that I think is worth framing.” Marjorie Stockley
If you would like to have your paintings featured here please email me a short statement of what drives you to paint (200 words maximum) and two or three images. You can post the information if you prefer.
A chance to Exhibit YOUR Work
As mentioned last month I am investigating the possibility of setting up an exhibition of work produced by people who have attended one of my courses. It is likely to take place sometime in October or November. The idea would be to hire a hall for a weekend, somewhere where there would be passing trade. There would be a small charge to cover the costs of hiring the hall / publicity and probably a limit of 5 pieces of work by any one individual. All work would have to be either mounted or framed and offered for sale. There would be no selection committee or the like – all work will be accepted. I’m thinking of charging a 10% commission on sales – yes I expect lots of sales – and perhaps donating the proceeds to a charity.
So far I have had only three people expressing an interest. If you have agreed to take part – great- but if you are one of those who possibly feel interested, but wonder whether your work is good enough. Put aside your fears get your brushes out and have a go. It will be great to receive your work and even better to prove all those old art masters wrong. Why not go for it!! All you have to do is reply to this email to express your interest- this exhibition needs YOU!!
NEWS
· During the second week of July I shall be in the Old House (the large black and white building in Hightown) in the centre of Hereford working with a student on a project to produce a piece of art to stimulate primary school children during their literacy hours. The idea of the art work is to paint elements of a picture on to multiple sheets of acrylic so that when they are stacked together they make a picture. The sheets can be shuffled and the will be backed by a mirror so the viewer can also become part of the scene. If you want to pop in at anytime and see how things are progressing I’d be really pleased to see you.
· The Old House is open on Tuesday through to Friday 10.00am until 5.00pm. Dates 10 July – 13 July inclusive.
· When my new leaflet is produced in July you will notice a change on the inside. Having spoken to a number of people it appears that there is a preference to have courses listed in date order, rather than listed under each village hall. I hope this makes it easier to select courses. If you have any comments to make please let me know.
Recommend a Friend
This is becoming popular way of earning a £10 voucher. If you recommend a friend, who has not attended one of my art courses and that person subsequently books and attends a course, I shall send you a £10 Marks and Spencer Gift Voucher. For details of how this works CLICK HERE
Christmas Parties
Are you planning a Christmas Party and want to celebrate it with something unusual? Why not consider inviting Salvador Dali, Picasso or Claude Monet along? Picture the response when Salvador Dali bursts into your party and takes it over. Imagine re-creating his life with your guests as characters – they are supplied with everything they need. It is a truly memorable, unusual and very funny experience. I am taking bookings for parties already. If you would like to discuss your requirements or find more information why not give me a call on 01568 617433.
Forthcoming Events
June Courses
Watercolour and Pen and Ink at Hampton Bishop village hall on 9/10 June 2007 we shall be experimenting with allsorts of pens.
Drawing Landscape at Hampton Bishop village hall on 17 June 2007. Hampton Bishop is a lovely village, fantastic views.
Abstract Landscape at Cradley Village Hall on 23/24 June 2007 – Some really inspiring ways of using landscape to create abstract paintings.
Forthcoming course: Want to spend 3 days painting, have a great meal with wine for lunch and wonderful surroundings to work in? Why not consider coming on the Herefordshire Painting Holiday at Broadfield Court Vineyard. It should be a great way to spend three days. For details click here
Let’s appreciate Art
3rd Element of Art: Context
Last month we looked at the artist this month we look at the prevailing climate.
The prevailing Political, Economic, Social or Religious Climate
The political, economic, social or religious climate in which an artist worked can have a profound effect on what he produces. For example, an artist working in Nazi Germany during the 1930’s had to follow the strict guidelines laid down by the Nazi party if they were to function as artists. The Nazi’s preferred style was a form of Social Realism; figurative painting that glorified the Fatherland and all who worked for it and in it. Artists such as Emil Nolde and thousands of others who chose to work in different styles were declared degenerate and in some cases persecuted. Most of these artists chose to leave and emigrate, primarily to the USA, where they established a strong foothold. It was through the teachings and influence of these artists that America would come to dominate the art world in the 50’s and 60’s with movements such as Abstract Expressionism and Pop Art. The artists who remained and followed the dictates of the Nazi Party and produced work that today looks either bland or sinister, with its glorification of state controlled ideals. It is interesting to note the similarity between paintings produced under despotic regimes of both left and right.
In 1840’s France where the economic conditions for the peasants were dire, some artists, notably Gustave Courbet chose to fight their cause by painting huge pictures of the plight of the poor with his Trilogy of Realism of 1848. The paintings, which were initially displayed in the Louvre in 1850 before the Emperor Napoleon III demanded their removal, were important in emphasising the social conditions of the poor. The paintings formed the basis of Courbet’s Realism that was built on strong socialist principles and quite at variance to the prevailing political climate. It took an artist of very strong conviction (and massive ego) to produce work of this type given the political conditions of the time. If we look at these paintings we see the strength of Courbet’s will shine through, we also see a certain arrogance which no doubt gave him the strength to cope with the criticism he received. We see these works today as important statements of social realism; a 19th century version of what you see is what you get.
If we go further back in time art during the Renaissance was very much influenced by the powerful patrons of the day, the Church and the Medici family being notable examples. I some ways Charles Saatchi performs a similar role today, in his support of what became known as the Young British Artists, of whom Hirst and Emin are prominent.
Happy Painting
Regards
Filbert Splosh
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