The Boston School’s legacy of beauty.

Q: How can a school of art create inspiration?  

A: When it compels you to keep the tradition alive.

After recently visiting The Fenway Studios Open Studios and reading The Boston School by Blue Tree press, I’ve become inspired to paint in the tradition of The Boston School method.  Going forward, I plan to channel the masters and use their works of art as my inspiration for new translations of this little known, but powerful school of art.

Like those before me who passed this tradition down from teacher to student, in an unbroken chain for over 160 years, I want to keep this tradition moving forward.  So what is the Boston School?  In my words, it is American-born methodology that combines the great skill of classical French realism with the effects of light and atmosphere achieved by the French impressionists.  Atlantic Monthly Magazine described it as a “systematic cooperation of sentiment and skill.”

Robert Douglas Hunter, Arrangement with Copper and Brass Pot, 2009, Oil on Canvas

The Boston School methods were originally taught at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, MA.  The first Boston School artists were known as "The Ten American Painters" (also known as “The Ten”) and included the famed Edmund C. Tarbell and Frank W. Benson.  Since New York was in the throws of Modernism, The Ten chose to make their own market for this new blend of art and began to hold their own exclusive annual exhibits.  They even started their own Guild called the Guild of Boston Artist’s to forge an independent stronghold for their beliefs and a sanctuary for their faith in the power of art and importance of beauty.  

Sam Vokey, Lilies, 2010, Oil on Canvas

The Guild is still active today and claims many modern practioners of the Boston School tradition including Robert Douglas Hunter, Melody Phaneuf & Sam Vokey among others.

A blog about artists and their inspiration

In a previous post I've theorized that the there are four key ingredients to an artist; Lifestyle, Influences, Technique, and Inspiration. Collectively, these traits produce works of art that appeal to people and organizations with like minds. In this blog, I will concentrate on how important inspiration is for the artist, whether they be a painter, interior designer, sculptor, musician, or craftsman.  Mostly I'll focus on representational painters but I firmly believe in cross-pollinating ideas so we can learn and apply good ideas from related industries.  Inspiration comes in many forms, sizes, and ways.  It it both fleeting and steady.  It can make the difference between an average execution and one that seems divinely inspired. If we can learn more about inspiration, we can harness it to help us be more prolific and masterful.  

I welcome the opportunity to hear from readers on what they'd like to learn about, get comments on articles, and contribute to the discussion.  My plan is to feature deceased artists and interview living artist about their own ideas about inspiration.

Thanks for becoming a regular reader.  Please feel free to email me or leave your ideas by commenting below!

JT 

An Artist Who Collects Art

You may not know this about me, but I have been silently collecting the art of other living artists. Why, you ask?

Well, it's for several reasons..

1. I put my money where my mouth is. If I ask collectors to buy my paintings, why not also support those who are working artists like me. 



< Charles Pompilius
Kristen
2009, Oil on Linen Panel, 7.75 x 5.75

2. I'm inspired by the artists I collect. Having a piece of fine art from a modern day master inspires me to create masterpieces of my own.

3. Fine art is an asset. My art collection is on my balance sheet and I know that the art I collect will continue to increase in value.

< Jeremy Lipking
Angela Sleeping
2007, Graphite on Paper, 24 x 18"
 

Practice makes perfect

Introducing a new series of paintings for the seashore lover in all of us. Two new paintings and more to come.
They say practice makes perfect so I've been quietly perfecting the art of beach-themed floral still lifes.
Spring Break
2010, Oil on Linen, 14 x 11"Available at my Daily Paintworks Gallery
Buy at my Daily Paintworks




Beach Bums
2010, Oil on Linen, 12 x 12"
SOLD

What do these painting have in common?

To be successful in this business you have to be known for a signature style and have a series of work with a similiar theme/subject matter.

My questions to you are...what is my signature style AND what do all of the posted painting above have in common?