impressionist artist | Outside The Lines

Your favorite season says a lot about you. For example, those who favor fall are often contented creatures who become excited by the simple pleasures of life. Summer lends itself to people who are outgoing and love to be with others. Winter is usually held dear by those who are introverted, pensive and prefer a good book to a wild party. Finally, Spring is often beloved by individuals who seek change, are creative and are deeply moved by beauty.

There are several famous historical artists who seemingly preferred Spring above all other seasons. This assumed preference is made evident in their multiple pieces of artwork featuring Spring-related themes. We like to believe Monet and Renoir adored Spring in all its glory.

Monet’s Paintings Reveal His Affinity for the Season of New Beginnings

Artist Oscar-Claude Monet (1840-1926) was more than just a founder of French Impressionist painting; he was also a lover of nature. The earth was Monet’s muse, and he obviously took great delight in painting Springtime scenes. One of his most famous Spring-related pieces is simply titled Le Printemps (the Spring) and was completed in 1886. The piece depicts two women dreamily sitting beneath a tree that is freshly blooming. Another is Le Printemps (auprès de Vétheuil), painted in 1880. This piece is simple and quite understated, though no less breathtaking than any of Monet’s works. Fields in Spring is another enchanting piece that features a parasol-covered lady drifting through a Springtime field filled with wildflowers. In all three paintings, many cool-toned colors are used, creating the effect of a refreshing Spring breeze. These paintings are just a small sampling of the Spring-themed works of art Monet created in his lifetime.

Renoir: Another Lover of Spring

Monet wasn’t the only Impressionist painter to prefer the Spring season; Pierre-Auguste Renoir (1841-1919) did also. Spring Bouquet is perhaps his most famed piece of Spring-themed artwork. Spring Bouquet, completed in 1866, appears more in-focus that our friend Monet’s artwork. This exquisite painting features crisp, cool colors that perfectly animate the flowers represented in the piece. Other beloved Spring-related works of art created by Renoir include Spring Landscape and Spring at Chatou (1872).

Speaking of historical artists, have you seen our new digital paint-by-number Historical Figures pattern sets? Designed for use on a smart phone or tablet, Historical Figures 1, 2 and 3 are cheap, amazingly fun, and bring art right to your fingertips. Check them out by downloading our FREE SegPlay Mobile app, available on iTunes and Google Play. Use the comments section below to let us know how much you like these new patterns!

Of all the Spring-themed works of art mentioned in this article, which do you like best? Can you think of other famous historical artists who seemed to favor Springtime?

Claude Monet – Founder of French Impressionism

The Expressive Vincent van Gogh

Camille Pissarro – Father of Impressionism

Be an Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

Segmation

Join us on FacebookSegPlay® Mobile iTunes now available for iPhone and iPad

www.segmation.com

Study in Gray

The work of Emil Carlsen is respected, revered and praised. Known as one of the greatest American landscape and still life artists, Carlsen is said to have mastered the art of painting.

In his book about American still life painting, Painters of Humble Truth, William Gerdts discloses what he believes is the secret behind Carlsen’s talent. “What makes the painting beautiful,” Gerdts’ writes, “is Carlsen’s sensitivity to arrangement – large shapes are juxtaposed with small flat forms and tall ones, their outlines are often united in refined harmonious curves.”

Another art historian, Richard Boyle recounts Carlsen’s approach to still life. “His paintings are beautifully crafted and delicate of surface,” he says. “He was concerned with ‘ideal beauty,’ as well as the beauty inherent in the subject.”

Emil Carlsen created natural flowing designs that were complimented by his use of atmospheric light. He also had a keen sense of how to apply paint to canvases so that the forms he painted became dramatic and involved. In addition, Carlsen had an eye for detail which shown in his technical style and decorative flair.
Even though he was a celebrated artist, Carlsen had trouble supporting himself with earnings from his artwork alone. Throughout the years he taught at many design schools in various parts of America and dedicated himself to the development of aspiring impressionist artists. While this was in line with Carlsen’s passion, it was far from the career he envisioned for himself.

Emil Carlsen (1853 – 1932) was born and raised in Denmark. He was interested in becoming an architect and studied architecture at the Royal Academy in Copenhagen. In 1872, he came to the United States and, before long, found himself in Chicago, Illinois. There, he worked as an assistant to an architect. The architect, Lauritz Holst, would later leave America for Denmark and give Carlsen his studio. This contributed greatly to the progress of Carlsen’s skill, which subsequently landed him a teaching role at the Chicago Academy of Design.

Feeling as if there was more to learn, Carlsen left Chicago in 1875 to visit Paris, where he would study under Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin, a famous French still life painter. Upon his return to America, instead of going back to Chicago he landed in New York where he set up a studio and tried to sell his still life paintings. At the time, however, he did not find much money in this. In 1879, he abandoned his New York studio and took up engraving to make ends meet.

Then, in 1883, a breakthrough happened for Carlsen when his work was exhibited at the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. This led to a trip to Europe in 1884 where he would continue to study and sell his work. In 1885, two pieces of Carlsen’s artwork were featured at the Paris Salon.

Even with these major successes, Carlsen still had trouble making enough money to live on. After Paris, he spent time teaching in San Francisco before moving back east where he would teach at two prominent art schools: The National Academy of Design and the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts.

Personal success awaited Carlsen at the turn of the century. In the year 1896 he married Luela Mary Ruby. They gave birth to a child named Dines Carlsen in 1901. The family of three would make home in the studio and encourage Dines’ artistic abilities.

All the while Carlsen taught at design schools, even though he would have preferred to spend his time painting. He eventually joined the Macbeth Gallery in New York which was known to represent American Impressionist artists. This marked a changing point in Carlsen’s career. For the first time he was able to live on the money he made from art sales. As Carlsen increased his success with solo exhibits, he was able to stop teaching at art academies.

Still, the successes of Emil Carlsen go far beyond his financial standing. He influenced great impressionist artists like Guy Rose and won numerous awards. He received a gold medal in the Louisiana Purchase Exhibition, the Samuel T. Shaw Purchase Prize at the National Academy of Design, and a Medal of Honor at the Pana-Pacific International Exposition in San Francisco.

However, this post is meant to recognize his artist style and some major pieces. For those who want to read more of Emil Carlsen’s story, visit this link: http://www.segmation.com/products_pc_patternset_contents.asp?set=EMC. Also, Segmation is proud to offer 29 digital Emil Carlsenpatterns. By downloading these paint by numbers masterpieces, you can emulate one of the most fascinating artists who ever lived.

Enjoy the 29 Emil Carlsen Patterns Segmation has for you and continue to learn and celebrate the life of a great artist.

Source:

Emil Carlsen

Read more Segmation blog posts about other great artists:

The Visionary Work of Gustave Moreau

Thomas Moran – American Landscape Painter

William Merritt Chase – American Impressionist Painter

Be a Artist in 2 minutes with Segmation SegPlay® PC (see more details here)

Segmation

Join us on FacebookSegPlay® Mobile iTunes now available for iPhone and iPad