How old was Les Spence when he became an artist?
Over time, he developed a unique painting style and matured from a craftsman to an artist. In 1965, at the age of 31, Spence decided to give up his job and focus on a career as a professional artist. The sea and its plethora of tales have been a steadfast muse for Spence throughout his life.
Why did Stanley Spencer paint the far ground?
As an early work, the painting looks forward to themes that will recur throughout Spencer’s career, and although loosely painted in the far ground, shows as well the tight and rigorous attention to detail of which he is capable in the foreground.
When did Stanley Spencer paint his first self portrait?
This was Spencer’s first self-portrait in oils and it is most interesting when viewed in comparison with the very similar full frontal portrait painted 50 years later. Painted when the artist was still young, we can just about see here the marked difference between Spencer’s left and right eye.
Who is the man in the middle of Stanley Spencer’s painting?
In the middle a man is snuggled between two mules in the centre of the huge work, representing the artist’s memory of being comforted by his parents in bed after being woken by a bad dream. Above him, dressed in white]
How big is the painting by Stanley Spencer?
This strange, haunting, and convoluted painting was the work that brought fame and critical acclaim to Spencer. The cinematic canvas, measuring 2.7 meters by 5.4 meters, showed the churchyard in his beloved hometown of Cookham-on-Thames in a scene of glorious reawakening.
As an early work, the painting looks forward to themes that will recur throughout Spencer’s career, and although loosely painted in the far ground, shows as well the tight and rigorous attention to detail of which he is capable in the foreground.
Why did Stanley Spencer paint the Apple Gatherers?
Although Spencer did not himself choose the subject – for it was specified that students of The Slade were to depict “Apple Gatherers” for their annual drawing competition – it does seem that, as is typical, the artist has infused an imagined scene with details from his own life.
Why did Stanley Spencer paint the four Travoys?
Presented from an elevated position, we see four travoys brining in four casualties under blankets on stretchers. There is dynamism in the composition, in the medics’ movement and in the way the wounded travel upwards, towards the light of the operating theatre in a clear spiritual reference.
