Behind The Paint – Artists

December 01, 2016

Like a perfume, a piece of artwork can transport us to a different time, place and memory. Through different colours, patterns, textures and scenery we are intoxicated by each stroke on the delicately woven canvas. Each iconic masterpiece has us inspired and intrigued to learn more about the artist, so let’s take a peek into their life, and learn about the artists behind the paint.

Henri Matisse (1860-1954)

“What I dream of is an art of balance, of purity and serenity, devoid of troubling or depressing subject matter, an art which could be for every mental worker, for the businessman as well as the man of letters, for example, a soothing, calming influence on the mind, something like a good armchair which provides relaxation from physical fatigue.”

Memory of Oceania 1952

$79 with a black floating frame as display Size: 60x60cm

The name you recognise in an instant, and there will be at least one or two of his iconic pieces that you are able to match up in your mind to his familiar name. Henri’s art work was widely celebrated, and he was regarded as the twentieth centuries greatest colourist. The French Post-Impressionist’s innovative creations rivalled that of Pablo Picasso with his varied subjects, ranging from landscape scenery, still life, portraits and most prominently his passion for portraying the fluidity of the female form. Although a well celebrated artist, Henri was an incredible draftsman, sculptor and printmaker.

Paul Klee (1879-1940)

“A line is a dot that went for a walk.”

Movement of Vaulted Chambers 1915

$97.99 with an oak floating frame as display Size: 50x60cm

Southern Gardens

$97.99 with an oak floating frame as display Size: 40x60cm

Having impacted all 20^th century surrealist, non-objective artists and the budding abstract expressionist movement, the Swiss painter and graphic artist was sure to inject personality, passion and wit. Admired as one of the most imaginative artists, Klee’s work incorporates surrealism, cubism, satirical pen-and-ink drawings, children’s art producing artwork that captures the fusion between abstract and reality. It has been said that a visit to Tunisia altered the artist’s perspective on life and his art when he became overwhelmed by the environmental exceptionality of light and colour.

J.M.W Turner (1775-1851)

“My business is to paint what I see, not what I know is there.”

Clare Hall and King’s College Chapel, Cambridge 1793

$97.99 with a Traditional wood frame as display Size: 40x60cm

Fondly regarded as ‘the painter of light’ Joseph Mallord William Turner was a British landscape painter of the 18^th and 19^th centuries. His passion and style for the use of brilliant colours throughout his seascapes and landscape artworks have been said to have laid the foundation for Impressionism. Deemed to be the best-loved English Romantic artist, JMW Turners repertoire of creative expression was seen through water colours, oils and engravings. Celebrated as a national hero, the greatest romantic interpreter of nature is proudly laid to rest in St. Paul’s Cathedral.

‘Behind The Paint’ series continues next time featuring Paul Signac, George Barbier and Utagawa Hiroshige.

All artwork featured in this article, and more from each iconic artist can be found on memeart.com.au under ‘Famous Artist’

MeMe Art, Perth