Julie Kessler Fine Art
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In the Bedroom

10/21/2020

6 Comments

 
The bedroom. The place where people sleep. In western culture it's an intimate room often tucked away in a private area of the house. Artists have been painting them for ages. But in my search for images I found mostly erotic and religious works that happen to take place there. It was much harder to find paintings that were all about the bedrooms themselves. Until I got to the 19th century. So what changed?
Picture
Vincent van Gogh, The Bedroom, 1888, Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam
Well, prior to the 19th century western painters made a living by making art for the one percent of their day. And what did the wealthy want? Mostly portraits of themselves, and art with religious, mythological and historical themes. Along with the occasional naughty picture commissioned for their own unofficial and secret enjoyment.
Picture
Edouard Vuillard, Child Playing: Annette Roussel in a Front of a Wooden Chair, c1900, Art Institute of Chicago
But then came the industrial age, and with it the growth of the middle class. Artists found new buyers who were interested in a whole 'nother type of art. Basically their new clients wanted nice paintings to hang on their walls, and were uninterested in large formal paintings with a religious or complicated  message.
Picture
Carl Larsson, Papa's Room, c. 1890-1899, Nationalmuseum, Stockholm
Technology brought major changes for artists too. Photography, a new invention, became a  popular source for portraits. New tools, like collapsible paint tubes and portable easels catapulted painters out of the studio and into the great outdoors. Discoveries of bright new pigments opened their eyes to the brilliant world of light and color. Freed from former constraints, artists began experimenting with their shiny new toys. And looking to their own, personal experiences and immediate surroundings for inspiration.
Picture
John Singer Sargent, Bedroom Window, c. 1909-1911
Why was I interested in bedroom paintings in the first place? Well, as you know there's a pandemic on right now. I was looking for inspiration without leaving the house. This couldn't be the first time artists encountered rainy days or pandemics. I wanted to see how they made the best of being stuck inside. 

Do you paint interiors? Have you got a favorite artist who did? Or a favorite painting of one? Do tell us in the comment section below.
Picture
Julie Kessler, Bedroom, Watercolor, 8x10 in

I'd love to hear from you!
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6 Comments
Joan Tavolott link
10/21/2020 05:09:00 pm

Nicely done!!! I have sketched parts of my bedroom numerous times, so mostly I've done it in ink and watercolors, not just watercolors. I want a bedroom where the breeze in blowing my curtains and the light is shining in. lol

Reply
Julie Kessler
10/21/2020 06:45:33 pm

Thanks for commenting, Joan. Sargent's watercolor is pretty spectacular, isn't it? I hesitated to put my watercolor next to his ... lol.

Reply
Elaine Langer
10/21/2020 07:59:41 pm

I have a few paintings of my window sill un my bedroom as the light is great and we have plants, the cats and occasionally the parakeet at the window. But I do like this idea. I love how all the paintings presented feel quiet.

Reply
Julie Kessler
10/22/2020 07:53:43 am

Thanks Elaine, it was a fun subject to paint. Looking forward to seeing your window sill paintings. I've been doing some too. Got to stay creative while staying home!

Reply
Janette Rozene link
10/24/2020 12:25:16 pm

Julie,

I loved your blog post on bedroom interiors and their history. Thanks for sharing the images and writing and your beautiful painting. I love the color harmonies and mood.

Janette

Reply
Julie Kessler
10/25/2020 10:41:27 am

I appreciate your comment, Janette, thanks!

Reply



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    Julie Kessler

    I'm a representational painter enchanted by the unique qualities of watercolor. Sometimes oils, gouache, colored pencils and other media call to me too. I started this blog to share my work and ideas about making art. Sometimes I toss other things into the mix. Such as painters I love, and art books and exhibits that inspire me. Your comments are welcome. I'd love to hear from you! 


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