Archive for April 14, 2015

Artist of the moment……..Francis Newton Souza

 

 

Francis Newton Souza, also known as F.N. Souza, was an Indian painter. Francis Newton Souza was born in Saligao, Gao, India in the year 1924.

Souza reminds me of the artist Munch, both artists did a fantastic job at capturing the mood. Souza often depicted pain and suffering. Souza also reminds of German master Käthe Kollwitz.

The artist attended college first at St. Xavier’s College located in Bombay at the time, but was expelled for writing graffiti in a restroom. Souza also attended the Sir J.J. School of Art located in Bombay, India. The artist was kicked out of school for supporting the Quit India movement.

After leaving school he found employment as a journalist writing about art for such periodicals as ArtNews and Review.

A short selection of works by F.N. Souza:

The artist was associated with the Progressive Painting Group of which he was a founding member. Souza was a leader and helped to organize events and exhibitions that would make Indian painters and artists better known among European collectors.

Francis Souza passed away in 2002.

The artist was highly productive over his lengthy career producing many paintings and drawings.

Price range information: Works in ink and drawings start at the $20,000 up to original oils which can reach $2.5 million dollars.

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Artist of the moment………Gaston LaChaise

 

 

Gaston LaChaise was a wonderful sculptor renown for his innovative sculpture work with the female figure. Gaston LaChaise was born in Paris, France in the year 1882. His father was a furniture maker.

The artist attended the Ecole des-Beaux Arts located in Paris.

In this clip we check out a fantastic sculptor by LaChaise that he made in 1932:

The artist came to the United States in 1906. He found employment in his field of sculpting working for a company that produced military monuments.

After coming to the United States he further developed his own style of working with the female figure. The artist worked with the figure, but was also an excellent sculptor of animals due to his work with the monument company.

LaChaise passed away in 1935.

Below a clip showing many works Gaston LaChaise. The introduction of this piece is rather long and works begin at the 20 second mark:

LaChaise is part of the collection of the Museum of Modern Art located in New York City and the Art Institute of Chicago.

Price range information: Works range from $10,000 for a drawing and up to $300,000 for a bronze piece.

LaChaise was a master at producing the female form with all of its dramatic and lovely curves.

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