Thursday, May 26, 2011

A Little Something for Corot Lovers



I've had a thing for Corot since college. Back then, I wasn't supposed to like him, but I did anyway, Now, he's like an old friend to whom I return for solace and inspiration. At first, I liked those wonderful plein air Italian landscapes from his youth before he was "Corot". I still do, but gradually, I came to love his tremulous, fragile, lusciously atmospheric later work.



Christopher Volpe has a great post up on his blog about Corot's palette and also a good link to a detail view of one of his paintings. Click on over and take a look.

Corot, by all accounts, was a happy camper- enjoying life when he was unknown as much as he did after he became famous. He was generous and kind (he bought a house for the penniless Daumier in his later years) and prolific to a ripe old age. And he is the author of one of my favorite quotes about painting:

"I hope with all my heart there will be painting in heaven."


So do I.


5 comments:

Christopher Volpe said...

I love that quote! It really seems like Corot "got it." I mean, if you're continually deriving massive amounts of joy (never mind satisfaction) from the mere act of "trying" - then you're pretty much beating the house, aren't you?

Philip Koch said...

Deborah, I was just about to leave a comment on how glad I was to see you mention Christopher Volpe's blog and lo and behold who do I see leaving a comment here. Small world we travel in.

Deborah Paris said...

So true, Christopher!

Philip, it is a small world, and so nice we can share it!

Bruce Sherman said...

Hi there Deborah!... The world... Universe... is indeed small but when the opportunity arises for cross-vers... we find others like our Selves... who share a common passion and journey!

Corot did have it right... and left a legacy not only of "good" art... but also records of his process which we can all share... and profit from!

I found your own process thought-provoking... insightful and interesting. I found your art and the personal quality of your site refreshing.

In a nutshell... I so enjoyed my visit... that I'll be back!

Good Painting!
Warm regards,
Bruce Sherman

Deborah Paris said...

Thank you Bruce and welcome!