Welcome to the Filbert Splosh Newsletter. Your comments, suggestions or contributions are welcome.
Featured Artist: Jim Williams
‘I started painting about 3 - 4 years ago after picking up a magazine in the airport enroute to Gozo.
My wife - Anne - and I collected several issues which came complete with a pan of watercolour paint and projects to complete. We both attended one of your courses in 2006 on Pen & Wash. I have since brought some 'proper paints and brushes' and have hopefully improved a little from my first attempts. I have about a dozen framed pictures around the house, at least they serve to cover a few damp patches, but I am quite pleased with them.’ Jim Williams
I still need more of your to submit your work for the featured artist slot. Maximum of 200 words and two or three images would be great. I have an artist for next month but am waiting for someone who would like to be featured in May. Come on get those paint brushes working!
Filbert Splosh’s News
New Venue
In April I shall be using a new venue Abberley village hall in the village of Abberley near Great Witley. It’s a very modern venue with wonderful facilities and great views. The courses taking place there are all one day events and include Novice Drawing courses, Watercolour Painting courses and Pastel courses. If you know of someone who might like to take advantage of these courses why not Recommend a Friend and earn yourself a £10 M&S voucher? Details can be found at http://www.paulpriestley.com
Party Events
Do you or a friend have a special birthday on the horizon and want to celebrate it with something unusual? Why not consider inviting Salvador Dali, Picasso or Claude Monet along? Image, half way through your party Salvador Dali arriving and taking over everything. Image re-enacting his life story with your guests as characters – they are supplied with everything they need. Image what fun it would be, especially if you included a practical element as well – which would not require any artistic ability but is great fun. You could finish off your evening with Filbert’s equivalent of the Turner Prize. A truly memorable experience. For more details click www.filbertsplosh.co.uk/party.htm
RECOMMEND A FRIEND
This is becoming popular way of earning £10. 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
Forthcoming Events
March Courses
Impressionist Painting Weekend at Storridge Village Hall on 10/11 March 2007 – A great opportunity to explore the work of the Impressionists and indulge yourself in their passion for colour and light.
Still Life Painting Day at Hampton Bishop village hall on 19 March 2007 – This course is specifically designed to add some umph to your still life paintings, different viewpoints, making insignifinant object look powerful, and some unusual objects to work from.
Inspired by Hopper at Leintwardine Village Hall on 24/25 March 2007 – A very evocative painter, someone who managed to create mood in his paintings. This is a great course for those who want to explore feelings and and colour in painting.
Let’s appreciate Art
Content in Pictures
Continuing our look at content in pictures, outlined below is a brief description of the traditional genres in strict order of importance as applied by our Victorian forebears. As mentioned last month this is why Turner (history painter) received his RA in his early 20’s whereas Constable (a mere landscapist) has to wait until his mid 40’s.
1. History
This genre, the most highly regarded, includes the depiction of famous battles and great political or social incidents. In its broadest sense it also included classical mythology and biblical themes. Before the 20th century any ambitious painter worth his salt had to succeed as a history painter, if he was to attract lucrative commissions and become prosperous. Examples of typical history paintings would be; Jacques Louis David’s painting of Napoleon crowning himself as Emperor, or John Singleton Copley’s painting of the Death of Major Pierson.
2. Megalography
This is an unusual word for something quite straightforward. Essentially, this is about how artists glorify individuals, like Kings, Emperor’s or political leaders to such an absurd level that they become more like gods or deities than ordinary mortals. A good example would be, Napoleon crossing the St Bernard Pass by Jacques Louis David. In this painting Napoleon is seen riding his horse up a very steep mountain on horseback. Napoleon, who was barely 5 feet in height, looks a huge man on the horse that appears to have no trouble running up a steep rock face. The implication is that only Napoleon could take an army over the Alps, against such impossible odds, much in the way that Hannibal had done. To Frenchmen who had never seen Napoleon, the impression created from this portrait makes him seem almost god-like.
In the painting Roses for Stalin by the almost unknown Russian painter Boris Vladimirski, Stalin is dressed in a white suit, staring into the middle distance surrounded by admiring children bearing roses. The implication here is the children – often used as a symbol of the future – are looking to Stalin to lead them (the future of Russia) to a pure (white suit) and fulfilling destiny. Rather ironic when we consider Stalin was responsible for the slaughter of 32,000,000 Russians in his purges. This painting brings to mind the scene shown on TV during the Gulf War of 1991 when Saddam Hussein surrounded himself by frightened children in an effort to show that ordinary Iraqi’s were safe in his hands.
3. Mythology
These are paintings based around the stories of gods, goddesses, nymphs and heroes, fairies and leprechauns from the great works of literature. Occasionally, these paintings are based on Norse, North European or Celtic mythologies, but are generally Greek or Roman. Examples are; Richard Dadd’s The Fairy Fellers Masterstroke, his painting of Shakespeare’s Mid Summer Night’s Dream, or any painting of a beautiful naked woman usually standing on a shell, with doves, swans, dolphins swarming around her. She may also be holding a torch or rose, doing little other than standing, stretching or reclining, alternatively she will be at her toilet. For the sake of respectability she will often be called Venus.
3. Religion
Religious paintings depict images and scenes taken from texts such as the Bible and the Koran. Typical examples would be; Madonna and Child Enthroned painted in 1280 by Cimabue or Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel painted circa 1540.
4. Portraiture
These paintings are concerned with capturing the likenesses of a real person or animal. Portraiture, until relatively recently, concerned itself with representing people of the higher echelons of society (although not exclusively). This was because those people were able to afford the artist’s fee. Artists have also expended a great deal of time painting themselves, particularly when times were hard. Probably the greatest series of self-portraits ever painted were those by Rembrandt van Rijn. They give a real insight into the feelings and emotions of a man as he experienced the highs and lows of life and the ravaging effects of ageing.
5. Landscape
Paintings in this genre usually use both rural and urban places as their starting point. Artists are often concerned to ‘record’ a real scene as in the case of John Constable’s ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Bishop’s Grounds’ 1823, or they imagined the scene – occasionally taking buildings from quite different locations and putting them into the same painting. These fantasy landscapes or Capriccio’s as they are known were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Artists such as: Canaletto, Guardi and Panini created Capriccio’s.
Landscape painting came into its own in the 17th century particularly in Holland. It would eventually take the number one spot in the hierarchy from History painting at the end of the 19th century, as young aspiring artists rebelled against the prevailing traditions.
6. Genre
Genre painting is about everyday people doing everyday things. It is not portraiture and should not be confused with the term ‘genres’, mentioned above. It was invented in 17th century Holland and was very popular with middle class merchants and the like. Examples of genre painting are; Pieter de Hooch’s painting, Courtyard of a House in Delft 1658 or Vincent van Gogh’s painting the Potato Eaters 1885.
7. Still Life
Still life painting is pretty straightforward being concerned with the representation of objects of various kinds e.g. furniture, skulls, dead animals, utensils, vegetables and flowers to name but a few. The paintings usually have no obvious stories to tell but some maybe highly symbolic. Still life painting became very popular in 17th century Holland where it became extremely extravagant. Good examples of still life paintings are; Cézanne’s painting, Still Life with Apples, 1893 and Jean-Baptiste Chardin’s Kitchen Still Life with Cooking Pots and Eggs. 1734 Still life painting is the only form of painting that can be totally controlled by the artist, in terms of lighting, composition and selection of objects.
Happy painting
Regards
Filbert Splosh
Featured Artist: Jim Williams
‘I started painting about 3 - 4 years ago after picking up a magazine in the airport enroute to Gozo.
My wife - Anne - and I collected several issues which came complete with a pan of watercolour paint and projects to complete. We both attended one of your courses in 2006 on Pen & Wash. I have since brought some 'proper paints and brushes' and have hopefully improved a little from my first attempts. I have about a dozen framed pictures around the house, at least they serve to cover a few damp patches, but I am quite pleased with them.’ Jim WilliamsI still need more of your to submit your work for the featured artist slot. Maximum of 200 words and two or three images would be great. I have an artist for next month but am waiting for someone who would like to be featured in May. Come on get those paint brushes working!
Filbert Splosh’s News
New Venue
In April I shall be using a new venue Abberley village hall in the village of Abberley near Great Witley. It’s a very modern venue with wonderful facilities and great views. The courses taking place there are all one day events and include Novice Drawing courses, Watercolour Painting courses and Pastel courses. If you know of someone who might like to take advantage of these courses why not Recommend a Friend and earn yourself a £10 M&S voucher? Details can be found at http://www.paulpriestley.com
Party Events
Do you or a friend have a special birthday on the horizon and want to celebrate it with something unusual? Why not consider inviting Salvador Dali, Picasso or Claude Monet along? Image, half way through your party Salvador Dali arriving and taking over everything. Image re-enacting his life story with your guests as characters – they are supplied with everything they need. Image what fun it would be, especially if you included a practical element as well – which would not require any artistic ability but is great fun. You could finish off your evening with Filbert’s equivalent of the Turner Prize. A truly memorable experience. For more details click www.filbertsplosh.co.uk/party.htm
RECOMMEND A FRIEND
This is becoming popular way of earning £10. 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
Forthcoming Events
March Courses
Impressionist Painting Weekend at Storridge Village Hall on 10/11 March 2007 – A great opportunity to explore the work of the Impressionists and indulge yourself in their passion for colour and light.
Still Life Painting Day at Hampton Bishop village hall on 19 March 2007 – This course is specifically designed to add some umph to your still life paintings, different viewpoints, making insignifinant object look powerful, and some unusual objects to work from.
Inspired by Hopper at Leintwardine Village Hall on 24/25 March 2007 – A very evocative painter, someone who managed to create mood in his paintings. This is a great course for those who want to explore feelings and and colour in painting.
Let’s appreciate Art
Content in Pictures
Continuing our look at content in pictures, outlined below is a brief description of the traditional genres in strict order of importance as applied by our Victorian forebears. As mentioned last month this is why Turner (history painter) received his RA in his early 20’s whereas Constable (a mere landscapist) has to wait until his mid 40’s.
1. History
This genre, the most highly regarded, includes the depiction of famous battles and great political or social incidents. In its broadest sense it also included classical mythology and biblical themes. Before the 20th century any ambitious painter worth his salt had to succeed as a history painter, if he was to attract lucrative commissions and become prosperous. Examples of typical history paintings would be; Jacques Louis David’s painting of Napoleon crowning himself as Emperor, or John Singleton Copley’s painting of the Death of Major Pierson.
2. Megalography
This is an unusual word for something quite straightforward. Essentially, this is about how artists glorify individuals, like Kings, Emperor’s or political leaders to such an absurd level that they become more like gods or deities than ordinary mortals. A good example would be, Napoleon crossing the St Bernard Pass by Jacques Louis David. In this painting Napoleon is seen riding his horse up a very steep mountain on horseback. Napoleon, who was barely 5 feet in height, looks a huge man on the horse that appears to have no trouble running up a steep rock face. The implication is that only Napoleon could take an army over the Alps, against such impossible odds, much in the way that Hannibal had done. To Frenchmen who had never seen Napoleon, the impression created from this portrait makes him seem almost god-like.
In the painting Roses for Stalin by the almost unknown Russian painter Boris Vladimirski, Stalin is dressed in a white suit, staring into the middle distance surrounded by admiring children bearing roses. The implication here is the children – often used as a symbol of the future – are looking to Stalin to lead them (the future of Russia) to a pure (white suit) and fulfilling destiny. Rather ironic when we consider Stalin was responsible for the slaughter of 32,000,000 Russians in his purges. This painting brings to mind the scene shown on TV during the Gulf War of 1991 when Saddam Hussein surrounded himself by frightened children in an effort to show that ordinary Iraqi’s were safe in his hands.
3. Mythology
These are paintings based around the stories of gods, goddesses, nymphs and heroes, fairies and leprechauns from the great works of literature. Occasionally, these paintings are based on Norse, North European or Celtic mythologies, but are generally Greek or Roman. Examples are; Richard Dadd’s The Fairy Fellers Masterstroke, his painting of Shakespeare’s Mid Summer Night’s Dream, or any painting of a beautiful naked woman usually standing on a shell, with doves, swans, dolphins swarming around her. She may also be holding a torch or rose, doing little other than standing, stretching or reclining, alternatively she will be at her toilet. For the sake of respectability she will often be called Venus.
3. Religion
Religious paintings depict images and scenes taken from texts such as the Bible and the Koran. Typical examples would be; Madonna and Child Enthroned painted in 1280 by Cimabue or Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel painted circa 1540.
4. Portraiture
These paintings are concerned with capturing the likenesses of a real person or animal. Portraiture, until relatively recently, concerned itself with representing people of the higher echelons of society (although not exclusively). This was because those people were able to afford the artist’s fee. Artists have also expended a great deal of time painting themselves, particularly when times were hard. Probably the greatest series of self-portraits ever painted were those by Rembrandt van Rijn. They give a real insight into the feelings and emotions of a man as he experienced the highs and lows of life and the ravaging effects of ageing.
5. Landscape
Paintings in this genre usually use both rural and urban places as their starting point. Artists are often concerned to ‘record’ a real scene as in the case of John Constable’s ‘Salisbury Cathedral from the Bishop’s Grounds’ 1823, or they imagined the scene – occasionally taking buildings from quite different locations and putting them into the same painting. These fantasy landscapes or Capriccio’s as they are known were popular in the 17th and 18th centuries. Artists such as: Canaletto, Guardi and Panini created Capriccio’s.
Landscape painting came into its own in the 17th century particularly in Holland. It would eventually take the number one spot in the hierarchy from History painting at the end of the 19th century, as young aspiring artists rebelled against the prevailing traditions.
6. Genre
Genre painting is about everyday people doing everyday things. It is not portraiture and should not be confused with the term ‘genres’, mentioned above. It was invented in 17th century Holland and was very popular with middle class merchants and the like. Examples of genre painting are; Pieter de Hooch’s painting, Courtyard of a House in Delft 1658 or Vincent van Gogh’s painting the Potato Eaters 1885.
7. Still Life
Still life painting is pretty straightforward being concerned with the representation of objects of various kinds e.g. furniture, skulls, dead animals, utensils, vegetables and flowers to name but a few. The paintings usually have no obvious stories to tell but some maybe highly symbolic. Still life painting became very popular in 17th century Holland where it became extremely extravagant. Good examples of still life paintings are; Cézanne’s painting, Still Life with Apples, 1893 and Jean-Baptiste Chardin’s Kitchen Still Life with Cooking Pots and Eggs. 1734 Still life painting is the only form of painting that can be totally controlled by the artist, in terms of lighting, composition and selection of objects.
Happy painting
Regards
Filbert Splosh
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