‘Portraiture as storytelling’ reminds me of a self-portrait my son Karl did after reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Inspired by the obsessive architect Roark, he painted himself with that same driven intensity.
Really enjoyed this little tour of the exhibition, Harry. It's so impressive to see the quality of those contemporary portraits, and partiuclarly the one in the first section from Norman Cornish too (What a story about him begining his working life as a coal miner!)
But also have to mention that work by Sir John Lavery. Even in a photo on a screen, it is quite captivaqting so I can only imagine how it must be when stadning directly in front of it.
It was stunning George, and I included the link to the Meander I wrote on Norman Cornish a year or so ago. I also happen to be typing this after another visit to see the works of the Pitmen Painters or more formally the Ashington Group. A collection of men working in collieries near the town of Ashington who wished to extend their education and with the help of the head of Art at Newcastle University took up painting. Most of their work you might describe as primitive but a few had true artistic talent although none ever left the mines. The group disbanded in 1984 although few of the original members were still around.
Yes, the BBC made a documentary with the few surviving original members in 1972. On the whole they came across as a no nonence lot and you could see why their teacher couldn't use the usual art teaching techniques. To begin with he basically gave them materials and said paint what you think. Over the years of course their technique improved and with exposure to the 'masters' you can see the influence of some. To a northeasterner it was also fascinating to hear their distinct Ashington accent (now sadly fading in many people of the town) that has characteristics very different from Geordie or even Pitmatic. For instance they have the Northumbrian burr when pronouncing the letter R, where Instead of using the tip of the tongue, the speaker vibrates the back of the tongue against the soft palate or throat. And words such as float, hot and both are pronounced flirt, hurt and birth and Ashington itself is pronounced Eshingtun. You may not follow football but if you listen to Jack Charlton he has an Ashington accent, yet interestingly his brother Bobby not so much.
‘Portraiture as storytelling’ reminds me of a self-portrait my son Karl did after reading The Fountainhead by Ayn Rand. Inspired by the obsessive architect Roark, he painted himself with that same driven intensity.
Really enjoyed this little tour of the exhibition, Harry. It's so impressive to see the quality of those contemporary portraits, and partiuclarly the one in the first section from Norman Cornish too (What a story about him begining his working life as a coal miner!)
But also have to mention that work by Sir John Lavery. Even in a photo on a screen, it is quite captivaqting so I can only imagine how it must be when stadning directly in front of it.
It was stunning George, and I included the link to the Meander I wrote on Norman Cornish a year or so ago. I also happen to be typing this after another visit to see the works of the Pitmen Painters or more formally the Ashington Group. A collection of men working in collieries near the town of Ashington who wished to extend their education and with the help of the head of Art at Newcastle University took up painting. Most of their work you might describe as primitive but a few had true artistic talent although none ever left the mines. The group disbanded in 1984 although few of the original members were still around.
Sounds great. The Pitman Painters / Ashington Group is something I know nothing about - so will definitely have to explore more!
Yes, the BBC made a documentary with the few surviving original members in 1972. On the whole they came across as a no nonence lot and you could see why their teacher couldn't use the usual art teaching techniques. To begin with he basically gave them materials and said paint what you think. Over the years of course their technique improved and with exposure to the 'masters' you can see the influence of some. To a northeasterner it was also fascinating to hear their distinct Ashington accent (now sadly fading in many people of the town) that has characteristics very different from Geordie or even Pitmatic. For instance they have the Northumbrian burr when pronouncing the letter R, where Instead of using the tip of the tongue, the speaker vibrates the back of the tongue against the soft palate or throat. And words such as float, hot and both are pronounced flirt, hurt and birth and Ashington itself is pronounced Eshingtun. You may not follow football but if you listen to Jack Charlton he has an Ashington accent, yet interestingly his brother Bobby not so much.
Thank you so much for bringing this to us, Harry.
Gorgeous works!
Vastly interesting. Thanks so much.