Tuesday, March 18, 2008

my favorite artist

is Edmund Dulac who was a 19th century watercolor illustrator. Once and only once I got to see an exhibition of a number of his paintings most of which had been borrowed from private collections. I didn't want to leave. I had to be dragged out. He was a genius and is the one I compare myself against when I paint. I never expect to get close but it's peaceful being in that space.




In case anyone is wondering there are two new stories with pictures underway and I expect to post one of them in the next day or two. Work has been especially de-engergizing this week. Meanwhile I hope you all are well - take good care.

17 comments:

  1. Hello, Susan.
    I had never heard of Dulac before. It looks like cool stuff. Thanks for sharing.

    And, if you know, about how big if that piece exactly (or thereabouts)?

    Hoping that you energize soon.
    Be at peace.

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  2. That is a beautiful painting. I'm going to have to check his stuff out for sure, and I return your sentiments.

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  3. dulac is new to me too, but he's a keeper.... plug in and recharge!

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  4. PT, Randal and GFid,
    Just time for a quick reply. Prints of Dulac's work are easy to find on-line once you know his name. My very favorite of his paintings is one called 'the Nightingale'. All of them are quite small - on average around the size of a piece of copy paper but some are larger. They weren't so into standardization back then. I'm happy the picture has brought some magic to you.

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  5. I think you're damn close :)

    HOpe the longish weekend gives you time to recharge. A long Powells visit might be just the thing...

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  6. I love that drawing. The strong browns and the soft blues are an interesting and compelling combination.

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  7. Wow! Thank you for introducing us to Edward Dulac. Those Edwards rock!

    So do you. I'd love to see some of your paintings.

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  8. I hadn't heard of Dulac, either, but I do love that painting. Very evocative.

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  9. I just looked up Edmund Dulac and found some amazing illustrations he did for various books, including Arabian Nights, and a particularly gorgeous one of Scheherahazade, a favorite literary character of mine. Thanks again!

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  10. Gary - I really appreciate your opinion and the compliment but I am in no way close.. not even within spitting distance :-)

    Sera - His use of color in all his paintings is very unique and back in those days artists mixed their own colors from raw materials. Amazing.

    DCup - Gee, I'm blushing :-) but if you feel like looking I posted pictures of some of my paintings back in September.

    Scarlet - I'm glad you went looking. Yeah, the Orientalist theme was very popular in European art during the late Victorian era and continued through the early 20th century. Maxfield Parrish continued to make use of some elements.

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  11. He definitely did do some lovely work. I suspect more people have seen his images than know his name. More good clean Dulac fun can be had here

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  12. Ben - I'm sure you're correct that he's been hiding in plain sight for lots of people. Great link - I've been there too. thanks :-)

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  13. Message to Susan from Ryan:

    "G'day Susan - the hair is all mine. It's a misconception that white people didn't historically have dreadlocks, (Vikings were dreddy for example).

    There are no extensions, it's all mine. It got it coloured when I had some rum at Bubzee's house and she smeared blue and red dye into them, after bleaching them first."

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  14. It's wonderful to have an inspiration like.

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  15. Gary - for Ryan
    Thanks so much for answering - I really have often wondered. It makes sense that Vikings were dreddy but I'm sure yours are a lot prettier than theirs ever were :-)

    Mary - How very nice to see your lovely smiling face again. Yes, Dulac has always been a singular inspiration. I'm going to add you to my blog roll so I remember to visit more often.

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  16. Wonderful painting and I echo the remarks of all of the other appreciative bloggers.

    Best wishes

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  17. Thanks, Lindsay. It's always a delight seeing you've been by to visit. All the best :-)

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