Thursday, September 9, 2010

Odilon Redon

Portrait of Violette Heymann
Odilon Redon
1910

My favorite artist unequivocally is the French painter Odilon Redon (April 20, 1840 – July 6, 1916).  This summer I was fortunate enough to see some of his original works of art, and I felt as though I were in the presence of greatness.  Well, I suppose I was. He inspires me so much, I renewed my membership to the Vancouver Art Gallery, just so I could visit his little drawings as often as possible.   I have also enrolled in an oil painting course this fall at Continuing Education.

Anemones

No other artist uses color the way Redon does.  His vases of flowers are vibrant and full of energy and look as if they leapt out of Redon's psychedelic dreams and onto his canvas.  But he also drew strange, dark charcoals that seemed to be images from nightmares. He is quoted as saying, "I have often, as an exercise and as a sustenance, painted before an object down to the smallest accidents of its visual appearance; but the day left me sad and with an unsatiated thirst. The next day I let the other source run, that of imagination, through the recollection of the forms and I was then reassured and appeased." I think some folks are blessed with the gift of genius, and Odilon Redon was one of those fortunate people. Here are a few more of his wonderful drawings and paintings.

The Crying Spider


Bouquet of Flowers


Vase of Flowers


La coquille (The Seashell)

Muse auf Pegasus

13 comments:

Charles Gramlich said...

I really like the spider head.

myletterstoemily said...

oh, i see what you mean about his
color. spectacular.

i also love that you have posted your
art on the side. the red teapot came
out wonderfully!

well done.

BALLET NEWS said...

beautiful.. I love the mix of colours.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

I love the way he uses the brilliant colors but also the way the light highlights the focus of the painting. Kudos to you girl for signin' up for classes. Thanks so much for sharin' this talent with us.

God bless ya and enjoy your beautiful day!!!

Rosaria Williams said...

I was not familiar with this artist. I can see why you like him. Stunning!

Cloudia said...

Spidey!





Warm Aloha from Waikiki

Comfort Spiral

KathyB. said...

Except for the spider ( which I found disturbing) his art is all you say and then more!

How exciting Jo, an oil painting course. I hope you will post some of your work, please?

Paula Slade said...

Beautiful paintings Jo - I understand why his work would be a tremendous inspiration. Have fun at the painting course this fall! Hope you will share the fruits of your labor. :)

DJan said...

I love the flower pictures. You are right that he has a unique eye for color. I had never heard of him before! Thanks for the introduction.

Alicia said...

I love the sea shell! It almost looks 3-D. The spider does look like something out of a nightmare, but I admire so much people that can be that creative. Looking forward to hearing about your class in oil painting Jo! Have a great weekend.

Anonymous said...

I also find the crying spider a little disturbing. Reminds me of that movie: "The Fly." I love the Anemones. But I really really love Muse on Pegasus!

Glad you're going to take an oil painting course. Hopefully, we'll see some of your work.

Jeannette StG said...

Thank you for sharing - this painter indeed uses some unusual color combination!
Yay, I hope you like painting with oil - once you get the hang of it, you will be smitten!

budh.aaah said...

such vivid colors!