Hi Subscriber,
Thomas Couture was a history painter, thinker, and educator working in
France during the second half of the 19th century.
He ran a private atelier where many influential artists studied,
including Édouard Manet, Henri Fantin-Latour, John La Farge, and Puvis
de Chavannes. A talented educator and communicator, he also wrote a
book setting forth his techniques and philosophy of art, translated
into English as Conversations on Art Methods in 1879. Conversational
and charmingly direct, his book is full of useful information even for
today's art student, and is well worth the read (it's entertaining
too!). Now in the public domain, you can read it online here
- below is an excerpt from his chapter on the advice he
gave to his young art students on how to cultivate a lifestyle and
quality of mind conducive to art-making.
Today's set of classics, particularly in the English-speaking world,
has evolved somewhat - few of us read Moliere or Rousseau - but if
you'd like some recommendations on the classics from a modern artist,
you can visit this interview with Ken Salaz
.
Enjoy today's selection,
BoldBrush Studio Team
_____
(School of Thomas Couture) Studio of Thomas Couture, oil on canvas,
c.1854
(School of Thomas Couture) Studio of Thomas Couture, oil on canvas,
c.1854
Advice to a Young Painter
Just Starting Out
"We will suppose you have drawn morning and evening, that you have
daubed much canvas, used many colors, and much time has passed. These
gymnastic exercises not being very fatiguing, you have been able to
cultivate your mind by reading good books; the ancient and our French
classics are all good. But as you are to be a painter, I will mention
certain works which you can read with profit. Homer, Virgil,
Shakespeare, Moliere, Cervantes, Rousseau, Bernardin de Saint Pierre.
In the first three, you will find grand teaching for your art. Homer
gives you primitive simplicity, Virgil harmony, Shakespeare passion,
Moliere, as you no doubt know, uses the most beautiful language, and
clothes truth in the most perfect imagery. Read much; you are young,
digestion will be easy.
Live in good company, and cultivate intimacy with young people who are
well advanced in art."
Thomas Couture, The Realist, oil on canvas
Thomas Couture, The Realist, oil on canvas
"Never wish to appear greater than you are; above all things beware of
expressing other people's opinions as if they were your own; that
brings ruin; it leads to darkness; dare to be yourself; that will bring
you light.
Be truly Christian, cultivate your heart; above all things, be humble;
in the art of painting, humility is the greatest strength.
Being prepared by the reading of good books, you will give to your
studies the proper direction. Above all things avoid ugliness.
You ought always to carry about with you a small album, in which you
can trace beauties that strike you, startling effects, natural poses,
etc. Never forget to make yourself into an ant, or a bee; pillage
everywhere in order to have an abundant granary, practice composition
while you are young, but always with materials drawn from your own
observation."
(Excerpt from Conversations on Art Methods
by Thomas Couture)
Thomas Couture, Interior of a Church, chalk on paper, 1877
Thomas Couture, Interior of a Church, chalk on paper, 1877
_____
Eager to Learn More?
The BoldBrush Studio Blog is a great way to learn more about art and
art history. If you'd like to read other interviews and posts showing
great artists and their stories, please click the button below.
Read More Posts Like This One
_____
BoldBrush Videos are available for unlimited streaming. This is a
DIGITAL CONTENT ONLY product. You will not receive a DVD.
Browse Our Video Library
Image 4255412
{{FASO_DOMAIN_VISIBLE}}
{{AM_COMPANY_NAME}}
{{AM_COMPANY_ADDRESS}}
{{AM_CSZ}}
{{AM_COUNTRY}}
Unsubscribe
Sent with ArtfulMail