International Artist Day.

 International Artist Day. 

Today is the day to wax lyrical about some of the greatest artists of all time, the contemporary ones and the ones who adorn our art galleries. There are those who are content to flaunt their masterpieces in local studios, exhibition centres and those who just love to stare at the stunning landscapes, portraits and quirky Art Nouveau which somehow defy categorisation.

We know what may constitute art to some and may not in the eyes of others. It's the oldest topic of discussion of all time. Art is simply subjective, whatever your interpretation of art may be. There are so many different schools of thought on art that it would probably take for ever to find common ground on what the true definition of art may be. But today is a day for deliberation and contemplation on this most fascinating of subjects. 

Throughout the ages the master practitioners such as Constable, Turner, Degas and Mattise have provided beautiful and memorable backdrops to our modern day lives. The National Portrait Gallery for some of us, is perhaps one of the finest art galleries in London. Portraits of Sir Francis Drake, Lord Nelson, an astonishingly detailed selection ranging from Sir Walter Raleigh and the imposing kings and queens, who have ruled over this fair land, continue to hold us spellbound. 

But then we wander through our galleries and displays of art and artistry and we stare for a while. For as long as you can remember there have always been a whole variety of art movements. Impressionism, Surrealism and Pointillism have imprinted themselves on our consciousness and remain at the cutting edge, on the periphery of our senses.

In many ways sculpture is widely considered as one of the most impressive works of art. When Henry Moore and Rodin were at their peak, sculpture was something to be celebrated and still is. It is painstakingly but lovingly carved to stand out for its enduring quality and texture. Art crosses so many spectrums. It can enthral us when least expected and then let us down dreadfully because our expectations may have been far loftier than was at first thought. 

And then there are hard working painters in their private attics who devote hour upon hour of their time with precise attention to detail, dabbing primary colours into the right position and are then relentless in their obsessive search for perfection. They put on their artists smock, lay out their palette of colours and oils, carefully building layer upon layer of refined technique onto every element of house, field, meadow, waterfall, tree or human character onto a broadening, expansive canvas. 

But we know what we like when it comes to art. We can all remember Andy Warhol's iconic tin of Campbell's soup, the unforgettable 15 minutes of fame, a statement that may resonate with those who seek it. Artists are protective about their work, guarded about their fame and celebrity while always striving to be the centre of attention when the spotlight falls on them. 

There was the Frans Hals Laughing Cavalier, Leonardo Da Vinci's epic and colossal Mona Lisa, labours of love but spectacular on the eye. A gentleman wearing the most precious silk and lace ruff, with rakish looking hat give the Laughing Cavalier the most lordly appearance. With quaint, twirled moustache and a mischievous smile on his lips the Laughing Cavalier remains one of Hals most charming of creations. 

In more recent times art invited us into the shocking world of Tracey Emin, a woman who dared to push back the boundaries and then break them down most forcefully. When Emin presented us with her now infamous unmade bed, she was giving us a revealing insight of art at its most unorthodox and disturbing to the more pure and puritanical. The experts continue to argue the point but it was art that was certainly provocative and, quite obviously, suggestive. 

And then there is Damian Hurst with his unique take on formaldehyde. Hurst is almost as edgy, cutting edge and anarchic, experimenting with everyday objects we take for granted. Hurst is one of the more creative types who loves to be unconventional and different. It is easy to see him as one of those avant garde, arty bohemians who love nothing better than a glass of wine at his latest exhibition while exchanging witticisms with the great and good of Mayfair, Belgravia and Kensington. 

Finally of course lest it be forget there is very topical Banksy, a mysterious graffiti artist whose vast illustrations and decorative swirls of paint, dominate the walls of every city, town and village around the world. Banksy comes from Bristol and for a considerable number of years, warmed the hearts of those who prefer their art to be lettered and numbered, huge flourishes of  controversial modernism. Banksy seems to be getting something off his chest, angry protests or just whimsical social commentaries. 

So there you are Ladies and Gentlemen. Today is International Artists Day, designed for those who may feel inclined to take their easel out to a local riverbank or stream just to reflect their passion for all things that have to be saved for posterity and possibly sold off to the highest bidder. You remember your parents taking you to Piccadilly as a child and being shown the most magnificent display of paintings that were neatly placed next to each other as if ready for instant critique and assessment. It's a day to cherish your brushes and pencils. oils and watercolours. Your canvas awaits you. Enjoy.