Andrew Wyeth

Andrew Wyeth, 1917-2009

Andrew Wyeth, one of the last great American painters, passed away last night in his sleep. He was at home in Chadds Ford, Pennsylvania.

(Today's article on his life's work, from the Washington Post.)

There are sadly few true artists like Wyeth today, and America will surely feel the loss of such a talented man.

His works, with their delicate beauty, peace, and his powerful use of light and shade, contain strong emotional undercurrents.. Every strand of hair, blade of grass and branch on a tree can be seen in it's perfect detail...

Andrew Wyeth was an inspiration, and one which will live on forever... In his own words, from his 1976 exhibition interview;

In some of Wyeth's most unforgettable portraits the subject is not even there. He told Mr. Hoving, "I think a person permeates a spot, and that lost presence makes the environment timeless to me. A lost presense keeps the area alive." Thus, a room, a house, a table setting, such as Karl Kuerner's in "Ground Hog Day" become "the very essence of the man who wasn't there."

In this sense Wyeth's painting is the epitome of the "less is more" precept, an application of measure and effacement that the artist extends even to himself. So intense is his involvement and his control of its expression that Wyeth loses himself in his work and can say quite matter-of-factly, "I don't think I exist really as a person, particularly, I really don't and I'd rather not."

Above, one of my favorite Andrew Wyeth Paintings, "South Cushing", 1955.

Below is a collage, which was passed onto me, of some of his works.. this is beautiful...

Lean Creations!

*Lock Ness* 40cm x 40cm

I am surprised at myself for not making the post much earlier!! Shame on me...

My very good friend Sarah (You may remember me yelling out a 'Happy Birthday!' a couple of posts ago to her!), with whom I met while living in Bristol, and who was also studying the same Fine Art Degree as myself, has become one of my most favorite artists ever! And no, I'm not biased - look at them for yourself!!!

Anyways, I have watched her art progress over the past few years, via her website... and I must say, I am totally IN LOVE with her new works, she's stepped it up a gear and I really feel as though she's beginning to show off her true talents as an artist.. they are simply gorgeous! I can't wait to see what she produces next, and where her inspiration takes her!!

So, I've picked out my favorites, but first, I'd like to share with you a word from her!-

"Painting has always been a passion and also something more or less self taught. My work is a pure enjoyment of colour, tone and texture. I revel in being able to play with paint to my heart's content and that others take pleasure from seeing things I have created. I feel the work itself holds a quality which allows it to be evocative and yet, equally, undemanding of the viewer. I believe that attributing significance should be a personal choice."

(Sarah's paintings are available for purchase on her website. She also works on commission, for further information on this, see her website and email her.)

*Just One Sheep* 40cm x 60cm *Nothing's Missing* 45cm x 30cm

*Making Bail* 60cm x 100cm *Looking The Other Way* 110cm x 50cm

*Raison D'etre* 40cm x 75cm *Three Apples and a Pork Pie* 60cm x 80cm

Cherries and Teacups...

4x4 inches / oil on panel

So I was cruising images, looking for some inspiration and ideas for my artwork. And I just so happened to stumble across some amazing still life paintings, impressed by their realism and the attention to detail, I had to investigate further into who had made these beautiful pieces...

It was then that I found Jeanne Illenye's blog....which is where I found my absolute favorites, these three paintings of Queen Anne Cherries and a blue Italian teacup.
Her blog shows her wealth of talent, in flowers, chocolates, fruits, and other items including a baseball! Check it out here!

"Predominantly a self taught artist, Jeanne received her initial training at an early age through private instruction. She later attended the Ridgewood School of Art in New Jersey and Pratt Institute in New York. Inspired by the Dutch Masters Jeanne utilizes a warm, earthy palette and elaborate, fluid compositions punctuated by strong contrasts. She incorporates signs of age into her work as a reminder of nature’s delicacy and transience."

Well, I'm certainly impressed, and definitely inspired! Also, check out her ebay site to view her work available for purchase!

Oh, and one fun fact about Jeanne Illenye is that she can write with both hands simultaneously back ward and upside down - just like Leonardo DaVinci!! Nice! - Now that must be handy!!


6x6 inches / oil on panel

4x4 inches / oil on panel