Van Gogh at the National Gallery, a London bakery/restaurant and 2024 round-up
All Things Arty
It’s rare that you get to see so many of Van Gogh’s most famous paintings in one place. In fact, the National Gallery’s Van Gogh: Poets and Lovers is described as a once-in-a-century exhibition with paintings gathered from galleries and private collections across the world. The extraordinary Portrait of a Peasant (Patience Escalier) (1888) having never been loaned ever before, it’s unlikely that all these works will be seen together again in this context and so I was lucky to be able to see this now-sold-out show.
I have to confess that I’ve previously struggled with Van Gogh’s work but this exhibition truly opened my eyes. Standing in front of some of these famous paintings I saw them in a new light and there were instances where I was almost overcome with emotion. There is a raw pain and melancholy that nearly all his works seem to evoke. Paintings such as The Park of the Hospital at St Rémy (1889) and Landscape from Saint Rémy (Wheatfield behind Saint-Paul Hospital) (1889) expressed something much deeper than pure aesthetics. Perhaps my current research into German philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer (more on that later) has subliminally affected me where he describes how great art transcends ordinary perception to reveal deeper truths about existence in subjects and scenes that can seem mundane. Van Gogh’s genius is the way he was able to convey such deep emotions and truths through his storytelling and extraordinary use of colour. (It’s worth noting that you really need to see his paintings in person to get the full impact of their depth and colour - my photographs simply don’t do them justice.)
The exhibition itself chronicles a lesser known side to Van Gogh, that of “an intellectual artist of lucid intention, deliberation and great ambition” (National Gallery) and it is exceptionally well presented. With examples of his meticulous drawings and works on paper supporting his more famous oils it was clear how much thought went into his work.
I was particularly taken by the bold choice of wall colours which had clearly been chosen with great consideration and which really made the exhibition sing. There is limited text on the walls unlike many other exhibitions (more details can be read in the exhibition booklet), and so the visitor is very much invited to view these paintings for what they are. A few intriguing and thought-provoking quotations are scattered throughout and they are just enough to get you thinking about the context of the work on show.
Seeing these paintings was deeply moving and thought-provoking and despite the clear sadness a lot of the paintings evoke, it was inspiring to witness how powerful painting can be.
Foodie Musings
My fifth foodie musing is a local bakery and restaurant.
Jolene, Newington Green, London
Amongst other foodie things, London has become increasingly known for its artisan bakeries. Jolene is one such bakery that has also gained a repuation as a restaurant, and fortunately for me, only ten minutes away in Newington Green.
First and foremost it is a bakery selling freshly-made and delicious bread and pastries, now with two other locations in Islington and Shoreditch. The coffee is excellent, as are their daily-changing sandwiches; a chicken salad in focaccia a stand-out favourite. I call them treat sandwiches as they are definitely on the pricy side! Their cinnamon roll is a thing of beauty (especially if you’ve got a sweet tooth!) and the chocolate Guinness cake is rich and moreish.
Whilst the building is not the most attractive from the outside (the ground floor of a block of flats), the interior is spacious, warm and inviting with neutral tones and an industrial edge. It’s a great place both for a light lunch or romantic evening meal and the menu changes regularly, with in-house pasta dishes often taking centre stage amongst other small plates of deliciousness.
Fresh, seasonal produce is used as much as possible with often a vegetable-centric theme. A beetroot, citrus and goat’s curd salad peppered with capers really showcased what high quality ingredients can do when treated with care and something as simple as their freshly baked bread and salted butter is worthy of a visit in its own right.
Their minimal-waste-approach to cooking is also admirable, with even the residual wheat husks from their inhouse milled flour being returned to the farms they came from to be incorporated into animal feed.
Jolene is a very popular spot so it’s definitely worth booking, but they do try to keep a few spaces back for walk-ins too if you’re feeling lucky. And if you’re in the area, let me know and you can always tie it in with popping into my studio after!
Inspiration Update/Christmas Round-up
As another year approaches its end I thought I’d look back on my year and give you an idea of what to expect from me in the New year as well.
I’m really pleased with all the lovely feedback I’ve had about my newsletter and you’ll be pleased to hear that I aim to continue this format next year.
It’s taken me a while, but this year I have really settled into my London studio. I’ve produced what I consider some of my most successful work to date and finally feel more comfortable working on a larger scale, something I’ve been progressing towards for a long time.
Next year is going to be a big year for me as aside from hosting more Art + Wine events in some exciting new locations and continuing to push my painting in new directions, I am also getting married in May!
There is lots to plan and it looks set to be a busy but exciting year ahead.
Recent Work
I’ve had to postpone the official online launch of my latest collection, Remedies for Despair, but I’ve uploaded a few pieces to my website and there are a couple featured above; I'd love to hear your thoughts.
I've also been busy working on an exciting project with a new gallery called Blank Studio Gallery. I previously mentioned the philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer, and this project is inspired by his writings on will and aesthetics. It's been fascinating for me to have this new point of reference and I look forward to showing you the finished work early next year.
Whilst my official cut-off for Christmas deliveries has now passed, digital versions of my Painting Answers can still be ordered online as a unique and exciting last minute present.
Stay Up to Date
If you've enjoyed reading my newsletter please do forward it on to anyone who might be interested.
Thank you to all my readers and collectors for your continued support; I am sending you every good wish for Christmas and the New Year.
Very best wishes,
William
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