Homage to Henri Rousseau

I never had much regard for the paintings of Henri Rousseau (1844 - 1910) until I discovered he really didn't hit his straps as an artist until he became a retired civil servant.  For some reason, my estimation of his work sky-rocketed.  The art critic Robert Rosenblum refers to the free wheeling independence in Rousseau's work and the flattening of shapes and colours that place him in the realm of the post impressionists.  "Like the art of an inspired child, everything seems freshly invented, its imaginative leaps convincing". ROSENBLUM  
Apparently, Rousseau's work inspired Picasso when he was teetering on the brink of cubism.

Temple Of  The Winds                Oil on Canvas

When I visit the Botanical Gardens in Melbourne, some of the more exotic plants remind me of Rousseau's inventiveness. 

A Real Job

How many artists do you know who have been asked the question; "What do you do for a real job?"  How many plumbers, architects, builders and teachers get asked that question?  For some reason, a career in the arts is often seen as an indulgence, perhaps even a form of escapism. For many years I had that attitude, which is why I was well into my 30's before taking my interest in art seriously.  

Jacopo Chimenti (1554-1640)

Some years ago, I watched an interview with the acclaimed English abstract artist Howard Hodgkin who played the role of the cool, suave artist until he was talking about a particular art teacher he encountered when he was 16.  Clifford Ellis had established the first residential school for artists in England and who, Hodgkin said, made him feel that wanting to be an artist was a worthwhile occupation.   But by the time Hodgkin managed to get the words out, he was almost crying - such was the impact Ellis had on him.  Watching this scene, I thought to myself "I know where you are coming from."