A recent painting was accepted as part of a juried show here in LA at the Pasadena Museum of California Art, I was of course pleased.
Polichinelle
by the author
colored pencil on paper
oil on canvas
Although only a student show, it is of course flattering to have your work hung upon the unblemished white walls of a museum, a nifty nameplate puffs up one’s ego. Alas that was soon deflated.
The work most valued eluded my sensibilities, I do appreciate the notion of conceptual art, but I fear much of what is praised smacks of the Emperor’s newest wardrobe.
Or perhaps I am just griping about sour grapes.
Instead of being a pill I decided to explore the other galleries. I was pleased that I made that the decision, for I found a world quite separate from the bed-frames hanging from the ceiling, here in these empty galleries I found color, skill and the sort of painting that has long been out of fashion- the painting of lovely roses.
I know, rose paintings tend towards the insipid, but these were vibrant, strong, big juicy globs of oil truly capturing the essence of the rose.
These paintings were by an artist I was quite unfamiliar with, Franz A. Bischoff, an Austrian by birth, who ultimately set root in Pasadena. Apparently successful enough with his lush paintings, delicate china decoration, lessons to society matrons and even a line of supplies, that he was able to build a lavish neo-Renaissance home/studio enjoying fame and comfort.
Franz A. Bischoff
b. 9th January 1864
d. 5th February 1929
Tastes have certainly changed, but the Pasadena Museum put on quite a nice exhibition of his work, Gardens & Grandeur, porcelains and paintings of Franz A. Bischoff.
Unfortunately the show closed on the March 20th, but I revisited the gallery with the specific intention of sharing his paintings. He was known for his plein air work but I must confess I found them less exciting, at least en masse.
The roses seemed special.
They reflect a time when painting for paintings sake was valued,when the craft of painting was cultivated and admired.
Or perhaps I have adopted my grandmother’s taste…
Perla van Gadensberg Roses
ND
Roses
watercolor on paper
ND
Roses
ND
detail of above
detail of same painting, I’m just very impressed with the thick use of paint and yet still a masterful control of his medium, tricky business.
Flowers
1914
A Bouquet of Roses
ND
White and Pink Maman Cochet Roses
ND
detail of above
Roses on a Tea Table
1912
As the title of the show implies, Bischoff was gifted in the art of porcelain painting.
I admit, they may be an acquired taste.
Bischoff’s paintbox
Although the Bischoff show has ended, my painting, if you are inclined will be on view April 3rd through the 24th.
In some ways the museum’s garage decorated by Kenny Scharf is as charmingly old fashioned as a Bischoff bouquet.
Difficult to not include it.
the author in a Scharfian fantasy
Wishing you all a pleasant evening,
Baroque Baroque
Babylon Baroque 