When decorating a new flat the most problematic detail has turned out to
be how to hang up the paintings. The following four haven’t found a proper
place yet. Perhaps landscapes would have been easier.
Vaarula is often called a naivist and his paintings can be recognized
anywhere. His work crosses the borderline between dreams and reality. He
painted flying figures – both people and animals – using a mixture of oil and
watercolour. This painting in oil is not typical of his artistic repertoire,
but the priest with a serous expression on his face may touch your conscience.
”Pierrot” by Taisto Ahtola (1917-2000 )
This painting could actually be called ” The Clown”, because Pierrot was
originally a comic character with a whitened face and wearing loose white
clothes. Ahtola painted a number of clowns in different styles and
colours, more and more obscure in his later years
“ The Fisherman” by Nikolai Lehto (1905-1994)
Lehto turned more and more to the naivistic style after trying all else
earlier in his career. As a naivist he was actually one of the first in Finland. This painting
shows us a proud fisherman with his catch and we are happy for him. Perhaps
Lehto was an optimist by nature, because most of his paintings express certain
positiveness and joy of life.
“ A Portrait of a Young Couple” by Lasse Marttinen (1926-2007)
This playful painting reminds me of the framed photos, which could be
seen on the walls of well-to-do farmhouses
at the beginning of the previous century. Marttinen painted hundreds of portraits
of his contemporaries as well. He founded Espoo Art School and was an excellent
and inspiring teacher. In his work we see a skilled colourist full of
surprises.
Such wonderful paintings! I hope you find good places for them in your flat. What are your criteria for finding a place to hang a painting?
VastaaPoistaMy criteria?
PoistaWell, I want to see the paintings from where I sit. In my flat it shouldn’t be too difficult. So their place is not behind the sofa. The picture of the young couple is so different from the rest that I have decided to hang it above my desk.
By the way, in the last few weeks I have been watching a series on the Impressionists on TV. It is created and represented by Waldemar Januszczak , an art historian, who is great fun to listen to and knows his subject inside out. Januszczak must be a descendant of Polish immigrants judging by the consonants in his last name :-) but not by his English.
Hello! I noticed that you have one painting from Olavi Vaarula. He has been my teacher in art at school. His paintings are very easily to distinguish.!
VastaaPoista