- Blue Dancers, 1899, by Edgar Degas, Art Print
When looking at some images created by Easyart Academy artists recently, I was struck by how influential the art of Impressionist painter Edgar Degas is. Although considered an ‘important’ artist of the movement with his studies of dancers, he’s not held in quite the same esteem as key Impressionist figures such as Monet.
Pierre Garroudi Presentation at London Fashion Week 2011, © photograph Christopher Holt
Above is a candid shot by Academy photographer Christopher Holt (whose specializes in gorgeous panoramic shots of London), taken at rising designer Pierre Garroudi’s presentation at London Fashion Week 2011. Uncannily, for an image captured in the heat of the moment, you can feel echoes of Degas’ art, seen in the line up of models ready to strut the catwalk and the flounces of their dresses.
Ballerina in Blue by Adrian Wright, Art Print
Academy artist Adrian Wright also channels the unmistakeable influence of Degas in the subject matter, pose and impressionistic brush strokes of his painting, which also nods to the work of Skype portrait painter, Sandro Kopp (who happens to be Tilda Swinton’s boyfriend – sorry I had to get that ‘celebrity’ angle in there!).
The Impressionists documentary, presented by art critic Waldemar Januszczak, is on BBC2 Saturday 30th July at 8pm, with the work of Edgar Degas as the main subject.
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I studied Art History and while studying Degas, I loved his ballet dancers rendered in vivid pastels and bold brushwork. To quote Degas himself: ‘No artwork was ever less spontaneous than mine, what I do is a reflection of study.’
I find that I study my subjects deeply and have my artwork well planned before execution, hopefully without destroying an effect of liveliness! I like to evoke movement within the female form, capture light and warmth and bring life to the canvas and paint that I use.