Monday Inspiration: Jean Paul Riopelle

Jean Paul Riopelle, untitled, 1954 (source)

Jean Paul Riopelle, untitled, 1956 (source)

Jean Paul Riopelle (1923-2002), is one of Canada's Masters really, though I hesitate to say that I don't really know much about him- didn't learn about him in school at all- I think possibly that's a reflection on French Canada vs. English Canada. At any rate I love the colours of the images, but am not overly fond of them- possibly- like Pollock, they need to be seen in person in order to really be appreciated. I think the comparison to Pollock is unavoidable, they painted at the same time, and they are really similar. However Riopelle seems to be more truly abstract, with no subject matter- but the paint itself, while Pollock's work is mostly based on an abstracted subject- with the exception of his drip paintings.

I like the methodical feeling of Riopelle's works. Even though they are abstract, they seem controlled, planned or thought out even. Think of them in comparison to Pollock's drip paintings' wild drops and sprays, which are largely accidental on purpose. I love the diaphanous quality of the watercolour example above, and the way that the black dots and squiggles interplay with the brighter sheer colours.

Monday Inspiration 2014 is all about Canadian artists. Each Monday I'll pick a new one to profile- If you can think of any that you think I ought to look up- please let me know in the comments- I'd love to hear from you. You can find a list of the artists I've done so far here.