Note from Pine Shores President, Tom Rutledge...
Gustave Courbet is credited with being a key figure in the Realism Movement of 19th Century painting, although the realism back then was not what we think of as realistic today. In Courbet’s time allegorical, legend type painting or historical and religious type paintings were considered to be the highest calling for the artist.
The realism that Courbet was after though pertained to the realities of life in his time. He did paintings of real people doing real things. That’s why his painting, “The Stone Breakers“, stunned the art world. Here are two people in worn out, tattered clothing
making a meager living cracking rocks by the side of the road,
and all of this the subject of a painting. His works were considered
vulgar by many at the time, his choice of subjects unheard
of in painting.
Eventually this led to the Impressionist Movement in art, which
is loved by many. This in turn led to the Modernist Movement. As
artists today, what are we searching for in our work? What do we
want to express? Maybe we just want to paint or create for the joy
of it? Whatever the reason the important thing is that we are painting,
that we are creating.
Here at Pine Shores, we have many different and varied type
classes planned for the year to help us hone those artistic skills we
have. Be a part of that, you will enjoy it as you learn. We also have many
art exhibits planned this year where we can show the very work we create.
I look forward excitedly to each new class and to each new show as I know you do. Who knows where it will lead?