Sunday, October 5, 2014

Beautiful Grey

Port Clyde






For a number of years I have subscribed to the brilliant Robert & Sara Genn's Twice-Weekly Letters. Originally written by Canadian landscape painter Robert Genn, since his death earlier this year they are now written by Sara, who includes reprises of her father's inspirational messages.










Here is an excerpt from her latest:
Rue de Buade #1


"Grey is the jazz of colour. When done right, grey is a soul-stirring, weep-worthy passage of luminosity and glow -- a vibration-maker. Virtuosity is achieved by relinquishing black and understanding the Munsell Colour System. You need only invest in a colour wheel, then begin to break it up and take it apart.








Montmartre #2


"Something unexpected happens with grey. The colour itself seems to understand the power of in-between, like suspended twilight or ineffable places of attachment. Perhaps the narrative material is less apparent in grey -- her stories curtained or over-shone by louder, simpler truths. In the meantime, grey's meanings remain fluid. In the language of painting, understanding grey separates us from the obvious. We are removed from the one-note or cacophony of primaries and moved closer to poetry."
Open Window, Cesis






To read the entire item, click here. Like most of the Genn essays, this one is directed primarily to painters, but offers valuable insight to artists in all mediums, and to art lovers too.












4 comments:

Dianne Robinson said...

lovely article. I've now subscribed. Thanks for that. And how well you work with grays. I like your Rue de Buade #1

Heather Dubreuil said...

I think you will enjoy your subscription, Dianne. It's a pleasure to share news of this excellent resource.

Paula Kovarik said...

I loved that letter. Kept a copy to refer to in the future. His insights have guided me for a while. Sad that we lost him.
I love your work Heather. It is unmistakable, I see it when I walk in city streets.

Heather Dubreuil said...

Thank you for writing, Paula. Robert Genn's words were always wise and generous, and I am thankful that his daughter Sara has carried on with the letters. And so nice to know that my work speaks to you!