Welcome back to my blog!
Diebenkorn has always been an inspiration to me without me noticing I was getting inspired! My tutor being a fan its no wonder I am so drawn to his work not because of the irony of me having the same taste but i see it in my work in application in some ways but mostly I believe our painting journey has been quite similar. Looking at his work it wasn't always destined to be abstract it just seemed to happen so natural to Diebenkorn, for example below is a painting that was made in 1942 of a boathouse, which many would call a generic landscape now well I at least do, there isn't anything that grips me its a boat house and a bit of land.
Boathouse, Richard Diebenkorn, Oil on canvas, 36.2x41.3cm, 1942
Not that I think this is an example of what not to do in a painting, many would see this as a perfect example of what makes a great painting. Me however its not enough to excite me about paint, maybe Diebenkorn thought this too in years to come? because I do, I look at work i did in college and think how did i get pleasure out of that? or was i making for the sake of making? because now my paintings means something more to me they aren't just paint on board, what you see on my board is me! and i like to think Diebenkorn had the same attitude looking back at his earlier work like I do.
Naturally in my second semester I researched into Tom Voyce who was also a student in Aberystwyth University who has become very successful after leaving Aber he 'gained his bachelor’s degree in 2011- specialising in drawing and painting. He completed a Master’s degree shortly afterwards allowing him to refine his practice while working and teaching in higher education. This also included a visit to China in 2014 where he taught life drawing and painting techniques.' he also won Sky Arts Landscape artist of the year 2017 which is a big success in itself! I didn't realise how much Tom is inspired by Diebenkorn until i looked at all of Tom's and Diebenkorn's work at the same time. There is one piece in particular I see a heavy influence from Diebenkorn in composition.
Tom Voyce, Workshop at Bethels beach, Oil on board, 30x20x0.9cm.
Richard Dibenkorn, Interior with book, Oil on canvas, 177.8x162.6cm
I feel looking at them both together I'm playing a game of spot the difference, but its a perfect example of an artist that I think highly of is also doing his own research and is still learning and using the greats to better himself!
And now that is what I'm doing broadening my research and finding new compositions to be inspired by. Therefore never limit yourself always strive for greatness, if you do stumble get up do more, learn more! have that hunger to be better! until next time happy painting everyone! Cerys
Tom's Website : https://tom-voyce.com/product/workshop-at-bethalls-beach/
Richard Diebenkorn illustrations: https://collection.diebenkorn.org/objects/264/interior-with-book?ctx=c8679a9b-07da-480d-8a2f-29a186e2f865&idx=168