The Old Masters Make Great Influencers!

Hello and welcome to July!

 I enjoy reading art history and  how the artists lived, worked, and produced their art.   I share what I think is interesting and  today I'm going to uncover a process many artists used, along with the significance of...painting in a series.

The masters typically chose subjects for their paintings based on personal interests, patron preferences, religious and historical significance, and market demand.  I mentioned in an earlier newsletter, the incredibly wealthy Medici family patronized many artists of the Renaissance period where the Roman Catholic church sponsored artists in the Baroque period.  And the artists lived very well. 

Those artists who painted their inspirations might choose to work in a series.  I found a couple well known artists and their subject matter.  Let's take a look:

Recognize Van Gogh's sunflowers?
He painted them for five years!!!   Yep, I'd call that a series.  He used a favorite vase but would also pick a bunch and lay them on his table to paint.  He would go out into a field and paint sunflowers there.  I looked at many of his paintings and was struck by the differing colors, structures, values, and... actually, everything.  More on why, soon.

And of course, Monet's waterlilies!
The pond is located in his garden in Giverny.  This gave him unlimited access to paint... approximately 250 oil paintings of waterlilies, which was his focus during the last 30 years of his life!  That is definitely a series...and what a series, too!
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So, there are several reasons artists choose to work in a series.

To EXPLORE and EXPERIMENT.  This could be a theme, subject or depth of a concept.  I think a deeper understanding of all three eventually develop over an extended time of practice.

To DEVELOP and GROW.  Working in a series can help artists build upon and refine their ideas over a series of works.

To TELL THEIR STORY.  When you have multiple pieces of work, the pieces can convey a message and create a layered narrative that can engage viewers on a deeper level..

For COHESION .  Working in a series that is interconnected can help artists develop a consistent body of work that demonstrates a style, theme, or concept.

And for EXHIBITION.  Creating a series allows artists to present a body of  cohesive work for exhibition.

Last month I introduced two of my new paintings to you.  I have not been eager to share on social media or in the galleries yet.  
Many of you have been with me for years and I want you to view them first.  Please feel free to email me your thoughts and comments.

[email protected]

"HER CAREFREE LIGHTNESS OF BEING"
30x24x1.5 with gallery wrap.  Oil on canvas

"SHE CHERISHES THE TRANQUIL WATERS"
30x24x1.5 with gallery wrap, oil on canvas

I'll continue on my series and post  two more paintings next month.  
Part of my inspiration is getting out into nature and  experiencing the sights, sounds, and smells  I genuinely hope your summer looks bright, sounds delightful, and smells like sunshine feels!