First Prom

[Clive Fullagar]

Steven,

Thanks for your good words. I remember your astute guidance on the first posting I had on this forum, a painting of my son entitled "Captive Son." Ever since, your commentary has never failed to dispel my perception of someone with an exquisite aesthetic sense who provides such good, gentle and constructive criticism.

Of all my landscapes, I too like "McDowell Creek" the best. It is a view from a walk that my wife and I like to take over the Konza Prairie here in Manhattan. The Konza is one of the last remaining tall grass prairie areas in the United States. It is truly one of the most beautiful places to visit.

I was not familiar with Sir Arthur Streeton's work - so I googled him. Wonderful stuff. I must admit that my influences come from another Southern Hemisphere country - South Africa. I spent 18 very formative years there and have always admired Adolph Jentsch's work. Now there was an artist that could find beauty in the small things of the land.

Keep well, and if you are ever in the area of Manhattan I would willingly take you on a walk on the Konza.

[Steven Sweeney]

It was my encounter with Streeton's work, in Sydney, Melbourne and Canberra galleries, that first inspired me to have a go at painting. Curiously, though Streeton received classical academic training -- including the drawing from plaster casts and the human life work -- he always struggled with the figure and the portrait, to his frustration. I'm rather glad that he kept his eye on the landscape.

His is an engaging story, as to which I tried to do justice in a lengthy article I wrote for the Classical Realism Journal. Shortly after -- and because of -- its publication, I learned that one of my all-time favorite painters, Joe Paquet (www.joepaquet.com/available.html ), is a huge Streeton fan. I can't spot a snail mail address on your site, but if you'll email one to me, I'd be very happy to see that you get a copy of the article, as I believe that I can predict from your paintings an affinity.
[ [email protected] ]

Sorry to intrude on the thread with this -- but there is the portrait and academic-training connection, mentioned above.

[Carlos Ygoa]

Very nice work, clive.
To echo what others have said, I am taken by its simplicity and elegance, the very two qualities that I always look for in a portrait.

I also went in your site and I like your work very much. The "Doctor and her Dog" piece reminds me of old renaissance and baroque portraits wherein elements closely linked to the sitter were always included in the final work.
Congratulations!

[Enzie Shahmiri]

Clive, what a lovely portrait of your daughter! I am constantly drawn to her pretty blue eyes.

[Tom Edgerton]

GREAT simplification and massing of values and terrific abstract design, apart from the emotive quality.

Really fine, Clive.

[Alexandra Tyng]

Clive,

I agree with Tom that the abstract shapes created by the figure and background, and the simple value massing, are extremely successful. It is a great portrait. It really speaks to me! I also like the point of view (looking slightly up?) and your daughter's expression and dress. The flowers could have been just too trite but in this painting they are amazing!