Today I'm joining in with Barbara at Coastal Ripples for her - Paint Monthly - link up.
I think I've written posts before about my favourite artist and my favourite painting which used to reside, and I think still does, in the Graves Art Gallery in Sheffield. I often used to pop in and look at it when we lived closer.
The painting is entitled A Corner of the Artist's Room in Paris and is one of several painted between 1907 and 1909. It was painted by one of my favourite artists Gwen John (1876 - 1939).
Above a self portrait of 1900 which is in the National Portrait Gallery.
Gwen John was a Welsh artist born in Haverfordwest and her family later lived in Tenby. She studied at the Slade School of Art and lived in Bloomsbury and then for most of the rest of her life in France where she became a bit of a recluse after her ten year liaison with the sculptor August Rodin. She was the complete opposite in temperament to her rather more flamboyant and gregarious brother the artist Augustus John.
I was lucky to be able to visit an exhibition of most of her work, entitled An Interior Life, at the Barbican in London in 1985 and I still have the catalogue I bought as a souvenir on my book shelves and several post cards of her work too from various galleries. Below are some more of Gwen John's other paintings that are particular favourites
The Cat c. 1905. Of course, I love all her drawings and paintings of cats.
The Japanese Doll 1920s
The Teapot 1915
All photos taken from the catalogue except the self portrait which I have as a postcard.
I have read one or two biographies of both Gwen and her brother Augustus and find them both fascinating.
I am also a Gwen John fan.
ReplyDeleteLovely, I think she was a wonderful artist:)
DeleteNever heard of her, but I really like the look of her work, will have to follow your link to learn more.
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoyed reading more via the link and glad you like her work:)
DeleteI'm reading the biography of Augustus at the moment. It's interesting that despite his very different personality and painting style he was always sure that his sister was the more important artist.
ReplyDeleteYes, he always said that she was the better painter didn't he? I find both of them interesting:)
DeleteThank you Rosie. Gwen John is unknown to me but I find her paintings beautiful. The Corner of the Artist's Room is so calming and airy. And she was a pretty lady too.
ReplyDeleteHer story is quite fascinating. I love the Artist's room as you can imagine her sitting in it overlooking that scene:)
DeleteSplendid, how wonderful to meet a 'new to me' artist. Her paintings are quite lovely, and I'm with you about that first painting ... it could so easily become a top favourite for me too.
ReplyDeleteThank so much for sharing your love of Gwen John with us.
Wishing you a beautiful day...
Brenda
Glad you enjoyed finding a new artist, Brenda the artist's room painting is wonderful isn't it?:)
DeleteI love the artists room and the still life with the tea pot particularly. Gwen Jones was not a well known artist for me so it was great to find out more about her. Thank you for joining in. B X
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the paintings, Barbara. I enjoyed looking through the catalogue again:)
DeleteThe Cat is wonderful. I also love the Teapot. It's the kind of painting that doesn't have an obvious point - most artists wouldn't have bothered with such a simple scene. But it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteBecause she stayed so much at home she just painted what she saw. I love the cat who I think was called Mudge:)
DeleteI like the teapot as well although Dorelia looks so real, she might just walk out of the painting. Thanks Rosie :-)
ReplyDeleteDorelia does have a timeless face doesn't she?:)
DeleteI love that first painting - I once read a novel that used it in the story line. I love the peace and serenity it portrays - such a simple picture yet to me it says so much. Good choice Rosie.
ReplyDeleteI read that novel too, it was a fascinating concept as she did paint several paintings of the same scene each slightly different:)
DeleteIt is lovely to see the work of a female artist of this time.
ReplyDeleteIt is isn't it?:)
DeleteA really interesting post - lovely to see some of her paintings. I particularly like the first one - such a tranquil and relaxing scene :)
ReplyDeleteYou feel you could just sit in the chair near the window and read or doze, I find it delightful:)
DeleteI love the art work Rosie - especially the cat! x
ReplyDeleteThanks, Simone - the cat is sweet isn't it?:)
DeleteI like The Cat -she captures the face beautifully. I must admit that although I'm familiar with the name of Augustus John I had no idea that he had a sister who also painted.
ReplyDeleteI think she was rather overshadowed by her brother who always maintained that she was a better artist than he was. Time, I suppose, will tell:)
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