Emil Carlsen on Still Life Painting
Sent: 8/31/2021 10:30:13 AM

View Text Version | SUBSCRIBE

Hi Subscriber,

In 1908, Emil Carlsen was a well-respected artist and a popular art teacher at the National Academy of Design and guest lecturer at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. His experience as a teacher and his deep love of painting are clear in the article he wrote for the October 1908 edition of the artist's journal Palette and Bench. His article, "On Still-Life Painting" is a must read for any student of the art of still life.

Enjoy today's selection,

BoldBrush Studio Team

Emil Carlsen, Still Life, oil on canvas, 1920

Emil Carlsen, Still Life, oil on canvas, 1920

Emil Carlsen on Still Life Painting

The quiet affection that he puts into his painting is clear: "The love of the study will grow; if the selection is well made, the delight over every small obstacle removed not to return in the same manner again, will compensate the student. There is no time limit, no hurry whatever, the sitter will not disappoint or change expression every few minutes. If a bit does not come right, scrape it out, try again, and again. Attack the main object first, the jug or pot that makes the picture, and keep drawing and modeling that. If it comes against the background, study the background at the same time, search for the amount of light it contains, heighten the lights as much as possible, they will tone down fast enough, pay no attention to manner of brushwork, state facts and look out for drawing all the time."

The entire article is excellent and you can read it here at the Emil Carlsen Archives: "On Still Life Painting" by Emil Carlsen.

Emil Carlsen, Still Life with Fish, oil on canvas, 1897

Emil Carlsen, Still Life with Fish, oil on canvas, 1897

Emil Carlsen, Ming Vases (and Ginger Jar), 1931

Emil Carlsen, Ming Vases (and Ginger Jar), 1931

Emil Carlsen, Still Life with Green Pitcher, oil on panel, 1905

Emil Carlsen, Still Life with Green Pitcher, oil on panel, 1905

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