Salute to the Silhouette

"Woman at a Window"

Oil on Canvas, 72 x 47 cm

Edgar Degas, 1875-78

One of the greatest revelations during the course my painting instruction has been the power of the silhouette.  Surprisingly, I was told (and found it to be true) that if you paint the space AROUND your subject, you can practically skip painting the subject itself.  The viewer's eye tends to fill in all the missing information. And if the "background" forms an interesting shape around the subject, like it does in the painting below, the viewer's eye is completely enthralled.

"Madame Camus with a Fan"

Oil on Canvas, 72.7 x 91.1 cm.

Edgar Degas, 1869-70

One artist who used this phenomenon to great advantage was Edgar Degas.  His backlit figures are breathtaking.  Degas' "Woman at a Window" (top photo) is a masterpiece of simplicity--and yet it conveys plenty of detailed information.  He tells us just enough, and our experience in the world fills in the rest.

"Grandmother Michaud in Silhouette"

Oil on Canvas, 65 x 54 cm

Édouard Vuillard, 1890

Édouard Vuillard was also a master of this approach.  Who can leave his portrait of his grandmother (immediately above) off the "Best Hits" list when it comes to silhouettes?  This particular painting is almost a classic side profile, which we commonly call "silhouettes". But keep in mind that many of these paintings are not simple side profiles, but rather show figures in full volume.  

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"In the Lamplight"

Oil on Canvas, 37.5 x 45.5 cm

Édouard Vuillard, 1892

Vuillard's women in the lamplit room is an another example of the power of the outlined form.  Simple shapes of color are all we are given to describe these two women.  There is absolutely no modeling of their figures. Yet we know exactly what they are doing, and can take a good guess at the fabric of the clothes they are wearing.  

"Intérieur au Cannet"

Pierre Bonnard, 1938

The power of the silhouette is effective in still lifes and other subjects, as well as human figures.  I'll conclude with a painting by Pierre Bonnard, showing an room with an open window.  Even though the table and chair--even the walls and bed--are scarcely painted, we understand exactly what they are and where they are placed.  It goes to prove the maxim that sometimes "less is more"!

What the Fauves Knew

"Woman with a Hat"

Henri Matisse, 1905

"Fauve" means "wild beast" in French--and that's exactly what the Fauve painters were!  The so-called Fauves painted in France in the early years of the 20th century.  Their paintings featured bizarre, vivid colors. They used flat areas of pure color, in hues that often bore no resemblance to reality.  But despite their unnatural colors, the paintings were still discernable representations of their subjects.

How did the Fauves accomplish that? They knew an important proposition about color: If the value is accurate, the hue doesn't matter.  That's right.  Every color has a certain value (relative darkness or lightness), as well as a certain hue (color on the spectrum). Just check the photo immediately above, in which I have converted Matisse's vividly colored painting into black and white. Pretty convincing, no?  

"Teapot and Sugar Bowl"

(c) Lesley Powell 2020

I recently conducted my own experiment with this proposition. I used a still life setup, and painted it with bold, unrealistic colors, paying VERY careful attention to the value of each color. And sure enough, the black and white image is proof of concept.

But let's not get too analytical. We should just enjoy the zestful use of color that characterized the Fauves. Sometimes a joyful romp in pure color can be a real mood lifter.  And since we can all use a lift in spirits about now, I'm closing with more images for your viewing pleasure. You may be well acquainted with Matisse, but his lesser known Fauvist compatriot André Derain was also a master of color. Thought you'd enjoy seeing a couple of his paintings.  'Til next time!

"Charing Cross Bridge"

André Derain, c. 1906

"Landscape near Chatou"

André Derain, 1904

A Virtual Feast

Collage by Nancy Gruskin

One silver lining in the pandemic is the proliferation of online painting demonstrations, talks and workshops. Though it's not as good as being together in person, these virtual sessions are often affordable, and provide opportunities to learn from artists with whom we might not otherwise connect. 

Collage by Nancy Gruskin

For example, I just "attended" a collage demonstration by Nancy Gruskin. Nancy lives in Boston, and was scheduled to hold a collage workshop in Nashville last week. Because the workshop had to be cancelled, Nancy did an online demo. I've been rather curious about collage work lately. But not curious enough to pay hundreds of dollars and travel hundreds of miles to attend a three day workshop! This online demo was a chance to dip my toe into the process, without making a big investment of time or money.  So glad I did it--Nancy gave us much to explore!

Most talks and demos last only an hour or ninety minutes.  They offer a glimpse into the artist's process. The programs are designed for practicing painters. But they are great for non-painters who are art lovers, who want to learn more about how art is made.

Self portrait by Maggie Siner

Nancy's demo was sponsored by Warehouse 521. I have also participated in their demos by Maggie Siner.  Maggie is a wonderful painter and instructor, and it's a joy to watch her apply paint to the canvas.  I have a high degree of confidence in Warehouse 521, and the quality of the instructors they sponsor.

Painting by Maggie Siner

The online demos and talks are usually recorded, so if you are registered for the program, you can participate "live", if your schedule permits. You are also given a link to watch anytime during the following two weeks. A big plus! You don't have to be present at the time of the live session, and you can watch at your convenience, as many times as you'd like. Another advantage of watching the recording:  you can pause the presentation whenever you wish, whether to take notes or to take a break!

Some studios are offering full blown workshops online--a number of sessions scheduled over several days or weeks.  I haven't ventured into this depth of online instruction, but I'm curious about it.  Black Pond Studio is one I follow, which has some wonderful instructors offering online workshops. Perhaps a list of my favorite venues would be a subject for a future post...