Denis Pickles

This is lovely. Have you come across George Bellows?

Hi Gudrun, I can't say that I am too familiar with G Bellows work but one or two images spring to mind when he's mentioned. Usually figurative images - boxing generally. I' afraid that I tend to give figure painting and animals a pretty wide berth, concentrating on things that generally do not move very far! Landscapes usually with some architectural content..... Or boats! I checked out your portfolio. You are more of a figure painter I see. Do you work with a model or from photographs? A bit of both I guess! If you are interested in American painters, check out Charlie Movalli. He's a prolific painter who has been around for a few years - written several great books on painters who were around at the same time as GB. Charlie paints mainly in acrylics nowadays . He paints almost as fast as he speaks. ........ And they are good!

I would be more than happy to have painted ths Denis, full of the power of the sea crashing on to rocks. Great palette too. I'm off to goole both of the above artists you've mentioned.

You will not find either in Goole Fionna - you'll have better luck Googling them. I know that's what you meant. My attempt at humour! Another painter you might check out is Don Stone. He's a fabulous painter too. He featured in the Ron Ranson book as a watercolour impressionist but now in his early eighties, he paints mainly in oils.

Opp's sorry about the spelling error Denis and thanks for the other name.

Charlie certainly likes his boats doesn't he, I think his snow scenes are quite special. Have you heard of an artist called Gruppe, his style is on a similar line to Don Stone. Thanks again for the information Denis.

I see what you mean about Charlie. Wonderful paintings, as are those of Don Stone. The reason why I mentioned George Bellows is that I saw the exhibition of his work in the RA; exhibition still on until 9 June I think. Amazing! He also did a series of coastal views not dissimilar to the one you have done.

I guess that I might be a bit prejudiced Gudrun. I think that Charles and Don are really great painters as is Dale. I once had the good fortune to spend a week with them on Monhegan Islang off the coast of Maine. I suppose that I did learn something from the experience if only to recognise that you must work hard at your task to become a successful painter and make a good living at it!

Fiona, There were two painters named Gruppe on Cape Ann - Charles and his son Emile. I think that Emile, the subject of Charles Movalli's books might have passed away around 1980 and I think it more than likely that Don would have painted with him quite frequently. They all knew one another obviously.

Having first hand experience from renowned artists must be great, and, as you've mentioned, will leave a lasting impression. It was the use of paint as well as the images that amazed me about George Bellows - lovely glossy thick strokes on very large paintings. Truly vibrant and they made feel excited about them which does not happen often. I think you can achieve more if you learn how to do things well first as this will give you the freedom to create more. That is my aim anyway! Whether that is successful .... I like figures and portraits; watercolour and oil. I tend to know the people I paint. When I can, I do draw from life, but I also refer to photographs which purists would frown on. That said, if the technique is there one ought to be able to use good quality images in conjunction with life. The key is the quality of the image; if there is no light or detail then it is of no help at all! Knowing the sitter is also an advantage so having a chat helps. Your mind subconsciously picks up details that you don't necessarily get on first viewing, if that makes sense. Gosh, I have gone on a bit!

Hi Denis, I have two books by Emile Gruppe and I've just fished them out after reading your email. Both are edited by Charles Movalli, the one called ' Direct techniques in oils' is also edited by Don Lavin which was printed in 1976. The other book is ' A guide to expressive brushwork for oil painting' which was printed in 1977. Both are excellent books. I am now off to 'google' this Don Lavin chap.......regards Fiona.

I like this; and think that oil is ideal for seascapes, because it's so sculptural and liquid at the same time - you can get effects which are murder to achieve in acrylic (I speak with feeling: I've dug up an old seascape I've "re-sprayed" more than once, and tried to pull it into shape: it would been so much more straightforward, and pleasurable, to do it in oil - if only I had...). I shall speedily Google - rather than Goole - the artists mentioned, whom I don't think I know (apart from Ron Ranson). PS - I appreciated your joke, anyway!