Artist Showcase: Brett Whiteley – bold lines make great drawings
“Art is an argument between what a thing looks like and what it means.” – Brett Whiteley
Brett Whiteley, famous Australian artist who had a life full of painting, drawing, traveling, exhibiting, and struggling with art. His biography is full of outstanding exhibitions, awards, and honors… he was the youngest artists to have a painting bought by the Tate gallery! Yet even after years and years of being an artist, his pieces feel unpredictable. They are all beautifully recognizable, but each piece has a little bit of a surprise to it. As if Brett Whiteley wanted to shock himself with a new line or form.
I love the effortless brush strokes and lines Brett Whiteley uses in nearly all of his work. His motions are fluid and his stokes bold.
Someday I hope to have this much confidence in my own hands and as much understanding of my brushes and paint!
1. Interior Lavender Bay 2. The Divided Unity 3. Flowers on the Table
Wow. That is skill!
My favorite is #4. The detail, control, yet it *looks* free & a little sloppy, but that’s the point of his style.
Thanks for sharing these lovely pieces.
I’m so in love with these…. Aren’t that awesome?
Love strong, bold, black and white drawings! Julie
Brett has been a major influence throughout my career. I was lucky enough to see one of his retrospectives and be guided through the works by his wife and muse, Wendy, shortly after his death in 1992. His approach to line was very much one of emotion and discovery and this can be seen in all of his works. It’s hard for me to pick a favorite – they’re all brilliant in different ways.
That is incredible Pablo! What a treat to be shown his work by his wife!! I can’t wait to show off your work a little later on this week!
So inspiring and stunning.