Following my previous posting I have been reflecting on the question of the reasons why some very able artists receive what would appear to be far less credit than they deserve. It struck me that there are at least two systematic reasons why this might be the case. By coincidence the calendar on the wall … Read more
I remember that, when I was in grammar school, the art teacher laid it down that the foundation of watercolour technique was one’s ability to paint a wash. We spent what in recollection seems to have been hours attempting to produce that perfectly even layer of colour. This I now remember with some amusement in … Read more
Why, in other words, do the works of specific artists bear particular significance for us? I’ve often pondered this question, for example in relation to the continuing appeal to me of the work of Stanley Spencer or Paul Nash. I don’t have in mind here the kinds of flash of connection that might lead us … Read more
We’ve just returned from the new film about Eric Ravilious, Drawn to War, and it is very good indeed. I have been interested in his work for some time, but the sight of his work on the large screen really makes you appreciate the subtlety of his technique and the extraordinary control he had over … Read more
For the past couple of weeks I’ve been rediscovering the work of Eric Ravilious.* A member of my family has been emailing me examples of his work, almost on a daily basis. (She has been receiving them from a friend, who is an art historian, and currently working on this artist.) This has prompted me … Read more
I’m back in Bradford now following our three-day visit to the South coast in order to attend the funeral of one of my wife’s family. It was an interesting experience for a variety of reasons. Although I knew the deceased, rather slightly, my part in the occasion was peripheral, and I found myself oscillating between … Read more