On display in the first room we entered were groups of small to large sized oil paintings of figures, landscapes and rural scenes. Walking closer I was pleased to read that the room we were in showcased 'The Glasgow Boys' and a collection of their lives work. Now, the last I had read and been taught about 'The Boys' was back in High School so my knowledge of their story and general work wasn't up to scratch - so I was more than happy to have the opportunity to learn more about it all.
Upon entering we were greeted by John Lavery's 'Anna Pavlova'. A large oil painting that appears illuminated before your eyes, I was greatly impressed by it's striking colours movement. As I read the provided description just beside the piece, it intrigued me to learn that although Pavlova posed for Lavery in his studio, he decided to depict her dancing as if on stage. He achieved this through the vibrant choices of colour and careful tonal work. Seeing this in the flesh as it were, really gave me the indication that oil paint is a remarkable medium to work with. Lavery's precise and thoughtful use of light and dark gave me the feeling I should maybe give the whole oil painting thing another chance...
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| 'Anna Pavlova' John Lavery, Oil on Canvas, 1911 |
Following Pavlova were a couple more pieces all equally impressing. The more I read the information provided about each painting and it's creator I gradually adjusted my eyes and how I was observing the artwork. I was surprised to be quite enjoying the choice of subject throughout this particular exhibit. To be honest I think it was more the historical aspect of it all, I like how portraits or landscapes for example can tell a different story than a photograph. I felt like each painting was a window into the past and this comforted me. I especially liked that some pieces deliberately lacked detail and in some cases were completely devoid of specific details (of which I can't include examples of because I didn't take notes on those ones for some odd reason).
Moving through the room we looked at a lot of rural and farming scenes, also I particularly remember a painting that grabbed my attention. It was by James Guthrie and is called 'A Highland Funeral'. If I remember correctly this depicts the funeral of a young boy as family members, friends and the local community gather to pay their respects. I immediately noticed the space at the bottom of the photograph and - going by the figures' large coats and scarves - the footprints in the snow leading to the group. All of the men standing facing the man officiating the service seem to have their heads downward slightly indicating sadness and perhaps a particular connection to the deceased. Either way I love this painting. It's a unique event to have chosen to paint and I really liked observing this one...
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| 'A Highland Funeral' James Guthrie, Oil on Canvas, 1882 |
I very much enjoyed our visit to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and with so many paintings never given as much attention as others, I feel I will attend again quite soon. Being able to have access to these paintings by such greats as 'The Glasgow Boys' is an important resource to have and learning this history only helps me realise how integral it is to my own personal progression through the art world.
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