In my last two posts, I wrote about our various comings and goings through the summer. A particular highlight for me was seeing the work of Scottish artist Victoria Crowe in two stunning exhibitions.
“I am not at all interested in making a generalised statement about landscape, or light, or people or anything – I’m interested in making a very particular and very informed statement about those things.” ~ Victoria Crowe
The Scottish National Portrait Gallery’s exhibition ‘Beyond Likeness’ is an incredible collection of ‘Crowe’s sympathetically curious, vigorous, painterly portraits’. I could hardly catch my breath as I wandered round, taking in painting after painting where the power of the sitter blended seamlessly with amazing colour palettes and textures.
Further treasures were on offer at The Scottish Gallery, where the exhibition ‘A Certain Light’ showcased Crowe’s landscapes. Again, her combined approach to place, light and palette was absolutely mesmerising.
“What I really want somebody to take away from a portrait is the experience of almost having touched that person. I want to see beyond the immediate physical impact.” ~ Victoria Crowe
I think perhaps my response to her work was heightened by my own exploration of texture, colour and movement as part of my 100 day art project (only seven days to go as I type, by the way!). Over the course of this challenge, I have come to understand how much interest there can be for the artist in creating a piece of art which tells some kind of story beyond the canvas, rather than trying to produce an accurate, photo-realistic representation of something. One example is this image below, which I produced only a few days before seeing the exhibitions.
Victoria Crowe has mastered the visual art of story telling in ways to which I can only aspire. But I know her work will help me in the development of my own.
I found this short film (below), in which Crowe speaks about her approach to painting, absolutely fascinating. I feel changed for the better as a result of even this briefest of encounters with her wisdom, creativity and outlook. What an amazing inspiration she is.
“Somebody once said to me, you know, ‘why do you do portraits? You must enjoy it.’ And I thought, no, it’s not about enjoying it and it’s not about ‘doing portraits’. It’s about meeting another human being in a very intense way.And I find that’s an incredible privilege.”~ Victoria Crowe
LEAPING LIFE 
I love the November Window Reflecting (Self Portrait). Crowe is a new name to me but I shall certainly look out for her in future.
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I love the National Gallery for bringing creativity into our homes. A wonderful reflection, Liz. Your thoughtful approach to sharing ideas excites and inspires! Look forward to every one of your posts!
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Thank you Becky – as always, you are a total inspiration to me. Sending love and hugs xxx
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Hmmm . . . I wasn’t familiar with Crowe but I’m very intrigued. What medium is she working in? The photos look like collages but I suppose they’re paint? And I like this particular work of yours a lot!
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Thank you Kerry, you are very kind. Crowe’s work is mostly oil on linen, which definitely adds to the textural quality of her pictures. I have found an online catalogue preview of one of the exhibitions I saw, so will add an update to the post so you can see more. 🙂
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I love her approach to portraiture, and the portraits themselves. The story of her son is a sad one.
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So glad you like her work. I think hearing her explain how the events of her life influenced her approach as an artist (inevitable, perhaps) really added to the depth of interest in her paintings.
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Indeed.
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I’ve not heard of this artist but I’m really interested by her now, thanks to your post! Her images are stunning and so complex, and I really like the quotes. Thanks for introducing me to her Liz!
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You are very welcome 🙂
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Thank you for this – I love Victoria Crowe’s work.
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You are welcome! 🙂
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Yes, I can see why you like her work.
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A new artist to me too. Thank you for the links and video – a very informative post, Liz. I love her use of colour!
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😀💕
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