Creative Angst of the Impressionist Masters
Many of us look across to our artist-neighbors, perhaps with a little envy, assuming they have an easier time of being creative: whether through learned skill or some innate capacity. Well, we are all in good company: Édouard Manet said “Every new painting is like throwing myself into the water without knowing how to swim.” and Edgar Degas “Damned Manet! Everything he does he always hits off straight away, while I take endless pains and never get it right.”
Now I feel better!
Get Started! Webpage
I’ve now posted a new demonstration of Ink and Watercolour Wash – the focus of my upcoming session on Rogers TV Daytime Ottawa this coming Tuesday, May 7th. (2pm, 6pm, 11pm).
Get Started! page: https://www.davidkearn.com/getstarted/
On this new web page I’m profiling exercises and methods from my Daytime Ottawa sessions. All are quick and fun to try – without the need for extensive supplies. Send us an email at david@davidkearn.com and we’ll keep you up to date with new content as it is posted!
Plein-air Drawing and Painting
Details and Registration: https://registration.artottawa.ca/course/detail/11128
Or by phone, Ottawa School of Art: Tel. (613) 580-2765
JULY: Wakefield Wednesdays
Paint Plein-air with us in beautiful Wakefield Quebec. Email david@davidkearn.com and we’ll keep you informed!
Calling all Tom Thomson aficionados
Some of you may know that we are writing a book about Tom Thomson and the art he created over the final 3 years of his life. For some time, we’ve felt the urge to share some of the joy in our encounters with Tom Thomson’s work, but how?
There’s so much written about Tom – starting immediately after his death – with the literary momentum never slowing. It slowly dawned on us that a possible anchor to his masterpieces was missing and so began our journey. We now have a working draft and are looking to publish this coming fall. We’d love to hear from all Break-a-Brushers who, like us, feel the pull of Tom Thomson’s art. Email david@davidkearn.com and we’ll keep you informed as we bring our contribution to life!
Exhibitions at the Ottawa School of Art
“pARTy” a celebration of the children and teens weekend art program: May 11 to Saturday June 8, 2024 at the Downtown Campus. Vernissage: Saturday May 11 from 11:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
The OSA Annual Works on Paper Exhibition: May 2 – May 30 at Gallery 55, Byward Market Building, Vernissage: Thursday, May 16, from 5:00pm to 8:00pm.
Portrait Competition Finalists Exhibition: April 29 – May 4 at the Orleans Campus, Shenkman Arts Centre, May 6th – May 11th at the Downtown Campus.
And in the wider world of Art…
Lost Gustav Klimt painting sells for €30m at auction in Vienna: Unfinished Portrait of Fräulein Lieser resurfaced in a private collection and questions remain about its journey and its subject: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/2024/apr/24/lost-gustav-klimt-painting-sells-for-30m-at-auction-in-vienna?
German art museum fires worker for hanging his own painting in gallery: Staff member put work on display at Munich’s Pinakothek der Moderne ‘in hope of achieving his breakthrough’: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/apr/09/german-art-museum-fires-worker-for-hanging-his-own-painting-in-gallery?
Keeping it simple outside
I often get questions on how to handle the logistics of all of that painting paraphernalia, water supply and oily clean up? I can truly see why it can all seem a bit overwhelming: more of a chore than a challenge. In getting started, I think it’s a good idea to keep things simple: small studies or sketches without too much need for equipment. Enjoy the outdoors! The painting and painting kit will naturally follow! Why not just start with dry media?
Break-a-Brush!
David & France