Little Cock Feather Frock

Posted on November 29, 2013 by maryannadair

E Rachev little cock feather frockLittle Cock Feather Frock is a Russian folk tale for children, adopted by A.N. Tolstoi. The version I am referring to is translated from the Russian language by Eugene Felgenhauer and illustrated by E. Rachev, from the Soviet Children’s Library printed in the Union of the Soviet Socialist Republics. It’s a slim volume but packed with great illustrations.

Little Cock Feather Frock is a  great rural farm story which includes a cock, blackbird and cat who are happy co-habiting with each other. The story commences:

  • “Little cock, Feather frock, With your comb so red, And your glossy head, Will you look out, please, I will give you some peas”.

This is what the cat and the blackbird would say to the little cock who stayed behind in the house whilst the cat and the blackbird went to work in the woods.

On return, the Little Cock would tell them what happened during the day such as: “Boys and girls ran by today, And scattered wheat upon the way. The hens are pecking it in flocks, But won’t give any to little cocks”.

At the climax of the story, a fox comes along and abducts the “Little Cock”; however, have no fear, for the cat and the blackbird come to its rescue, and yes, they all live happily ever after.

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When Dicksee met Valentino

Posted on November 28, 2013 by maryannadair
Francis Bernard Dicksee | Leila | The Sheik | E M Hull
Francis Bernard Dicksee | Leila
Dicksee | La Belle Dame Sans Merci

Sir Francis Bernard Dicksee was born in London, on 27th November, 1853. He was an English Victorian painter and illustrator, best known for his popular portraits of fashionable women, as well as dramatic literary, historical, and legendary scenes. His early teacher was his father Thomas, a painter, who taught Frank, his brother Herbert and his sister Margaret how to paint.  Francis, or Frank as he was also known as,  enrolled in the Royal Academy in London, in 1870 and achieved early success. He was elected to the Academy in 1891 and became its President in 1924 and Knighted the following year. His greatest accolade was to be honoured the Royal Victorian Order by King George V in 1927. He died, the following year on 17th October, 1928.

This exotic looking image [above] is entitled Leila (1892) from the Fine Art Society London collection and used on the cover of Edith Maude Hull’s book – “The Sheik”, which was first published in England in 1919 and over the next few years mounted to over 1.2 million copies being sold worldwide. Sales further increased when Paramount Pictures released a film version of “The Sheik” in 1921, which launched Rudolph Valentino into cinema immortality as the greatest “lover” of the silent screen.

Sheiks!

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A Gossamer connection between Shearwaters and the Rings of Jupiter

Posted on November 27, 2013 by maryannadair
Inge King | Shearwater
Inge King | Rings of Jupiter

Inge King sculptures: Shearwater, Rings of Jupiter and Sun Ribbon sculpture (University of Melbourne)

Respected and prolific German-born Australian sculptor Inge King, was born on 26th November 1918. Inge’s extensive commissions are prominent throughout Victoria. The Shearwater sculpture (see left) can be found on Southbank Promenade, Melbourne.  Originally commissioned by Esso,  it comprises polychrome steel, 780 x 670 x 350 cm. 

Circa 1936, Inge studied sculpture under Hermann Nonnenmacher (1892–1988) in Germany and in 1937 was admitted to the Berlin Academy of Fine Arts. Two years later she was in London studying at the Royal Academy until its closure during the War years.   Moving to Scotland in 1941,  she joined the Glasgow School of Art, studying under Benno Schotz. Shortly afterwards, whilst at the Abbey Arts Centre in Hertsfordshire, Inge met her future husband, Australian artist Grahame King. They moved to Melbourne, Australia in 1951.

Inge’s style follows a non-figurative contemporary sculpture style.  She became a member of the Centre 5 group originally convened by Julius Kane in Melbourne which also included Lenton Parr, Norma Redpath, Vincas Jomantas, Clifford Last and Teisutis Zikaras.  The image featured above, Rings of Jupiter (3),  is on show at the National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne. It is sculpted out of stainless steel in 2006 at Warrandyte, Melbourne.

  • You can find many of Inge’s large-scale works located in plazas, the Victorian Arts Centre and at many university campuses within Australia.
  • Inge has held over 26 solo exhibitions including a retrospective at the National Gallery of Victoria in 1992 and has participated in over 60 group shows throughout Australia and New Zealand; as well as major cities such as London and New York.
  • Inge was awarded the Australian Arts Council Visual Arts Emeritus Award in 2009.
  • There is also a book “Inge King: Small Sculptures and Macquettes” by Judith Trimble and Ken McGregor. Palgrave Macmillan, 2009. (ISBN 978-1-921394-26-3).

For further examples of  sculpture see my Sculpture and Street Furniture page. 

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Whovians celebrate their half-century

Posted on November 26, 2013 by maryannadair

Ha-Ha Dr. WhoOne of the greatest catch-phrases of the 20th century was “Where were you when JFK was killed?”, which was not to be surpassed until the death of Diana, Princess of Wales, when a similar question was asked – “Where were you when you heard that Diana had died?” However, 50 years ago, back on November 22nd, 1963 when U.S. President John Fitzgerald Kennedy was shot dead, no one would have forecast that on the following day, 50 years on, that devotees the world over would be acknowledging another phenomenon.

November 23rd, 1963 was the first telecast of British BBC science fiction TV series – Doctor Who. Folkloric legend states that the showing of the first episode was delayed by 10 minutes in transmission due to the extended world news coverage of President Kennedy’s assassination. Since then there is anecdotal evidence that indicates that the transmission delay was only around 2 minutes.

So, who was Doctor Who? He was a time lord who travelled and explored the universe in his TARDIS (Time Relative Dimension in Space) spaceship which was based on the real design of 1960s British Police box. Since its first series transmission in 1963, there have been 11 Doctors, and this anniversary introduces its 12th Doctor to be portrayed by actor Peter Capaldi.

My favourite characters were the Daleks, who first appeared in the series in the early ’60s. They were ‘Kaleds’ who were from the planet Skaro and lived inside tank-like mechanical rolling armoured robots. Their catch-cry used to aid the killing of all non-Dalek beings was – “EXTERMINATE”, uttered in a semi-broken computer staccato sound.

For me, the music is one of the greatest and weirdest tracks ever written. The original score is by Ron Grainer. If you want to hear it, please click on this YouTube link.

The image above is a copy of a Dalek stencilled by New Zealand stencil artist HaHa aka Regan Tamanui.  For further examples of Street Artist work see my Street Artist A-Z Listing.

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“To be, or not to be?”… (a Perronneau) is the question

Posted on November 21, 2013 by maryannadair

Jean-Baptiste Perronneau - girl with a catThis is known as “Girl With a Cat” and has been attributed to being painted by Jean-Baptiste Perronneau (1745). If you have not seen this before, it may be because you have not visited the National Gallery of London when it has been on display. Apparently it is not currently on display. Not a lot is known about him except for the following:

  • Jean-Baptiste Perronneau was born in Paris, France ca. 1715.  
  • He began his career as an engraver, studying with Laurent Cars, whose portrait he drew, and working for the entrepreneurial print-seller Gabriel Huquier, in the 1740s.
  • He was a pastel artist whose career was much in the shadow of the master of the French pastel portrait, Maurice Quentin de La Tour.
  • In the Salon of 1750, Perronneau exhibited his pastel portrait of Quentin de la Tour, but found to his dismay that La Tour was exhibiting his own self-portrait, perhaps a malicious confrontation to demonstrate his superiority in pastel technique.
  • He received full membership to the Académie Royale de Peinture et de Sculpture in 1753, with portraits of fellow artist Jean-Baptiste Oudry and the sculptor Lambert-Sigisbert Adam, (works of theirs can be found in the Louvre Museum).
  • From 1779 onwards he appeared to travel through France, Italy, Spain, Germany, Poland, Russia and eventually the U.K.
  • He died 230 years ago in  Herrengracht, Amsterdam at the age of 42 of fever in on 19th November, 1783.

However, there is a “twist” with this piece. –

According to the National Gallery website: they currently claim that: “Although [this painting] bears the artist’s signature and the date 1745, it has been thought to be a later imitation of Perronneau, because of some uncertainty in the treatment of the anatomy and an excess of charm associated with 18th-century French portraits of children. It may, however, be an original”.

Acceptance of its authenticity that it is a Perronneau, is at your own peril-you-know!

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Karma Chameleon experiences Urban Enhancement

Posted on November 16, 2013 by maryannadair

Saw this near a fast food outlet (see banner above) and discovered that it was done by ue.net.au, which turns out to be Urban Enhancement. According to their website, they are “an art and design company providing creative solutions for all of your artistic needs”.

hellenic-republicThey create art installations, murals (both internal and external), as well as graphic design, illustration, fine art and a wide range of other artistic endeavours. One of their major customers is  the iconic Brunswick East Greek restaurant – Hellenic Republic, owned by chef and restaurateur George Calombaris, seen on Masterchef TV series and owner of other important restaurants such as “The Press Club“, which is situated not far away from Melbourne’s famous Hosier Lane.

There are more Street Artists featured on my Street Artist page.

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“Splitty goes to the snow!”

Posted on November 15, 2013 by maryannadair

last-of-the-ski-bums“Splitty goes to the snow!” that’s my version of the title for this illustration, when I look at this album cover design. Does anyone remember the 1969 movie “Last of the Ski Bums“? I don’t. But, with an interest in Combi or Kombi culture, I’m more interested in finding out who drew the cover for this original soundtrack score for the movie. All I know is the music composer was John Blackely among others; art direction by Woody Woodward and a casual reference to – design by Ron Wolin. So, was he the album cover designer?

Does anyone have the answer?

This falls under two of my categories – Cover Art and VW Art. The header of this post is from Martin Wiscombe’s original postcard.

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Cat’s foot iron claw, neuro-surgeons scream for more

Posted on November 15, 2013 by maryannadair

King Crimson court-crimson-kingYes indeed, it’s “21st Century Schizoid Man”  and both the title of the painting and the song. This magnificent piece, (not sure if I’m talking about the song or the painting – probably both) entitled Portrait of 21st Century Schizoid Man, watercolor (1969) was painted by British artist Barry Godber (1946-1970).

This painting (owned by original band member, Robert Fripp), appears on the cover of British prog-rock band King Crimson’s 1969  album “Court of the Crimson King.” Little is known about Godber, other than  he was both an artist and a computer programmer and this was the only album cover he ever painted. The cover was as much a definitive statement and a classic concept album. Unfortunately, Barry died way too young, in February 1970, at the tender age of 24.

“Nothing he’s got he really needs…”Twenty first century schiziod man.” -words by Pete Sinfield.

This is my inaugural piece for my new category – Cover Art.

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There is ‘Still Life’ in Karlis Mednis

Posted on November 15, 2013 by maryannadair

karlis mednisKarlis Mednis is not so well known in the international art arena, but I find his work vibrant and energetic. Karlis was born in Russia in 1910, and studied at the Latvian Riga School of Art, before he emigrated to Australia in 1949.  A painter of draughtsman-like qualities, Karlis worked in several media, frequently painting cityscape, still life and marine subjects and won several awards. His works are represented in the National Collection, Canberra, and in several provincial galleries. Unfortunately, Karlis left this mortal coil in 1999 to a higher painting field.

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Elvis Hooraffe – a pet subject

Posted on November 14, 2013 by maryannadair

Tai SnaithTai Snaith –  aka [Pets]  is a female street artist as well as a more ‘conventional’ artist, who has been inspired by many children’s book illustrations, old books, stories, domestic crafts and found objects. One of her favourite characters is her – Elvis Hooraffe.

Tai’s history evolves around her original daubing and writing on walls, which later progressed to stickers. Her ‘call signs’ in street art oscillated between nomenclature of ‘Pet Love’ or ‘Pet Hate’. As an example, items that received a ‘Pet Hate’ were ugly [usually representing commercial advertising]. For more information about Tai Smith, check out her website. “Hear, Hear, said the Hooraffe!”

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A Black Day for Street Art

Posted on November 12, 2013 by maryannadair

hosier artistA Black Day for Street Art-  or so it seems, according to media write-up, however, there still is an element of alarm with the latest black out on Hosier Lane in Melbourne. This has been a mega street art destination for both artists and appreciators for over 15 years.

A troublesome patch occurred a few months ago when the “junior” section of Routledge lane was painted blue to start over again. This blue-out lasted hours before it was rejigged.  Now Hosier, the major component of the art scene draw card for tourists has been black listed to be re-birthed within 3 weeks by major artists. Can’t wait to see what evolves…

  • Here are  some examples which will be lost as a consequence:

(On the left) Not sure, but I call it the”Magic Carpet Ride“. The one on the right – 3D by nature could be anything from a pair of binoculars, through to boombox. Maybe it’s colourful array has helped disguise its origin. Anyway, it doesn’t matter; it’s all visual art to me!

And regardless of what we think about the art of Hosier Lane,  it’s all going to change and with its new backdrop and artists willing to be the first to mark it- it would appear that – “a black night is a long way from home.” So, hopefully there will be lots of new colour, vibe, creativity and verve. I’ll let you know soon.

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What a cracker Hacker

Posted on November 12, 2013 by maryannadair

Arthur-HackerArthur Hacker was an English classicist painter. Born in London on 25th September in 1858, the son of Edward Hacker, a line engraver specialising in animal and sporting prints (and official Registrar of Births, Deaths & Marriages for Kentish Town, St. Pancras, north London).

Arthur Hacker studied at the Royal Academy from 1867-1880 and at the Atelier Bonnat in Paris. He exhibited at the Royal Academy, in 1878 and 1910, when he was also elected an Academician.  He was greatly influenced by his travels through Spain and North Africa and mosly known for his portraiture and religious works.

Hacker died in London 74 years ago, on 12th November, 1919.

  • I love a good Arthurian picture and this cracker Hacker (above) is The Temptation of Sir Percival (1894 oil on canvas) located at Leeds City Art Gallery.
  • And, if you happen to be in Liverpool, look out for another cracker Hacker,  Pelagia and Philammon, at the Walker Art Gallery.

So let me know if you are a Hacker backer!

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“Welcome home” – It’s not easy being green…

Posted on November 10, 2013 by maryannadair

Norah McGuinnessThis is “Garden Green,” an oil on canvas, (1962) which is on display at the Hugh Lane Municipal Gallery of Modern Art, in Dublin. It was painted by the Irish born artist and illustrator, Norah McGuinness. The beauty of “Garden Green,” is that it incorporates two prevalent aspects of Norah’s art – her focus on still life  portraiture, whilst encompassing the dramatics of the natural outdoors, often favouring the colour of nature’s greenscape.

Norah, who was born on 7th November 1901, in Derry, Northern Ireland, moved south to the Republic in 1921 to study art at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art and later, at the Chelsea Polytechnic in London before spending the 1920s working in Dublin as a book illustrator and stage designer.

  • Her first commission was a set of illustrations for Laurence Sterne’s “Sentimental Journey”.
  • She married, book editor Geoffrey Phibbs, but they later divorced in 1929.
  • The same year she followed the advice of Mainie Jellett and travelled to Paris to work at the studio of André Lhote.
  • According to Wikipedia, from there, Norah moved to London where she was a member of Lucy Wertheim’s “Twenties Group” followed by the avant-garde “London Group”.
  • Norah then travelled and lived in New York from 1937 to 1939 and once more returned to Dublin where she continued with her art.
  • Her preference was to paint vivid and highly coloured landscapes, which had a certain Cubist influence.
  • Norah helped found the “Irish Exhibition of Living Art” in 1943 and became its president in 1944, after the death of Mainie Jellett.
  • Although Norah was elected an honorary member of the Royal Hibernian Academy in 1957, she resigned.
  • Norah died on 22nd November, 1980, in County Dublin.  
  • All I can say is: Óró, sé do bheatha abhaile – Irish Gaelic for “Hurrah! welcome home“

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The Bear Necessities of Rupert

Posted on November 7, 2013 by maryannadair

rupert-bearRupert Bear was a children’s newspaper comic strip character created by English artist, Mary Tourtel. Rupert first appeared in the The Daily Express newspaper on 8th November 1920. His mission was to win sales from the rival newspapers of the time – The Daily Mail and The Daily Mirror. In 1935, Alfred Bestall, took over the illustrative and story content of Rupert Bear. Rupert, has become a well-known character in children’s culture in the UK, and his success has led to the creation of some TV series based on him.

  • The above image is taken from Rupert at the Seaside, (1935), where Rupert and his family head off by train to Shrimpton Sands, including Aunt Emma and her little Joan. It is here that Rupert and Joan meet two boys Sam and Peter, who take them on adventures to Mermaid Cove.

Not bad for a single bear who is 93 – all honey to you Rupert!

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Ahoy there me matey! Where’s the pieces of eight?

Posted on October 30, 2013 by maryannadair

Cecil-DoughtyCecil Langley Doughty (born 7th November 1913), was a British comic illustrator, best known for his work “Knockout” and the educational weekly “Look and Learn”. Doughty was born in Withernsea, East Riding, Yorkshire and trained at the Battersea Polytechnic.  His earliest work was comic strips appearing in both “Knockout” and “The Children’s Newspaper”,  in 1948. Doughty went on to draw Terry Brent for “School Friend” and later illustrated for “Thriller Comics”. 

  • In the late 1950’s he also drew for “Express Weekly” and “The Eagle”, taking over the “Jack O’Lantern” strip in colour for eight months.

In the 1960’s and through to early 1980’s, Doughty proved to be one of “Look and Learns”  most successful historical illustrators. When “Look and Learn” closed in 1982, Doughty retired from commercial artwork to concentrate on landscapes. Already in his late sixties, Doughty held an exhibition of his paintings at Carmarthen, where he was then living.  He died at the age of 71, on 26th October 1985.

  • This picture is from Daily Sketch Modern Boy’s Annual and an illustration for the story “Jem’s First voyage”, written by K.& M. Peyton.

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