Watercolours With Life: Blanche Odin

Monday, 18 January 2010

Blanche Odin

Blanche ODIN,

"La grande dame de l'aquarelle"

1865-1957

When I left Dubai I moved to France before my next destination which was returning to Hong Kong at that time in my life. Only a pet owner would understand my fear of placing two beloved pets in quarantine due to a move from one country to another. My decision meant I would be living in rural France with just my dogs for company in an area in Le Gers for six months until they could travel to China.

Spring Posy.

Watercolour Study by Jean Haines.

Here I met many amazing new friends and artists. It was here I was given a book by Jean Louis Morelle but that is another story yet to be told. And here I fell in love with painting flowers. Roses surrounded my wonderful farmhouse and I painted them in oils mainly as that was my passion then.

Whispers of Spring

A gentle first wash capturing the essence of these sweet small flowers.

A part of me will always remain in France. My spirit feels at one there and my life became so blissful as I embraced the French way of life.

A friend and fellow aquarelliste introduced me to the work of Blanche Odin. I fell in love immediately with her beautiful technique and obvious knowledge of each subject she captured in brilliantly gorgeous watercolours.

She has effected my artists soul as well as my work.

Spring Bouquet

An original watercolour by Jean Haines.

All artists are inspired by masters. The story of Blanche Odins life is one worth taking time to discover.For inspiration and an insight into an artists life at that time please click on the following link.

http://www.museesbagneres.fr/blanche_odin_013.htm

Here you will find the history of a remarkable artist. And here you will find the true inspiration behind my floral work.We may be worlds apart in style and technique.But our passion for the beauty of flowers and watercolour are in harmony.

My heroine......and true inspiration.

Madame Blanche Odin.

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Further Link

http://www.ladepeche.fr/article/2009/09/26/680912-Bagneres-Les-aquarelles-de-Blanche-Odin.html

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As an artist giving credit to those who have inspired you goes hand in hand with holding a brush. A kind word,a gesture of goodwill may just inspire others in their art journey. Giving back as well as taking the gift of inspiration is a sign of respect shown by many honourable artists. I choose to pass on this incredible heroine in my art life. I hope she inspires you too.

On this note I would like to take a minute to thank everyone who has sent me cards,emails and messages letting me know how much I am inspiring them.

These kind words encourage me to share more...............thank you so much and may your own art journey always be wonderful.

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2 comments:

JANE MINTER said...: hello Jean ...after your workshop i brought one of the books you have mentioned here Jean Louis Morelle which i love and am enjoying learning and painting from ...from what you have said and the quick glipse of her book i had at your workshop Blanche Odin was a incredible artist and woman . thankyou for sharing these links here and thankyou for all your encouragement jean ... so looking foward to reading your book .; 20 January 2010 at 05:40
Jean Haines SWA, SFP said...: Hello Jane,

Thank you so much for leaving a reply. When I first saw your work I recognised a wonderful talent. It is a real honour and pleasure to encourage and inspire someone as talented as you.

I have been so blessed to meet artists from all over the world who have guided me on my journey.To give back by following their generous example is a gift I love giving. That magical word "encouragement" is indeed very special to all of us.

The work of Blanch Odin must inspire many watercolourists as I cannot paint a single flower without thinking about her.

Happy painting Jane and I hope 2010 is magical for you!; 21 January 2010 at 06:54

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The Artist Magazine : Book Review

Jean Haines' Atmospheric Watercolours

"The book is nothing less than a paean to the wet in wet technique. If that's your thing, prepare to be amazed. Jean Haines credits Jean Louis Morelle, and in many ways this book is the sequel to Morelle's remarkable, but very technical work, showing the wealth of creative possibilities the technique offers. A lot of the images are barely recognisable and yet you instinctively know what they are. I wish I knew how, because this is impressionism taken to its logical conclusion and reminiscent of some of the later work by JMW Turner. You will have to take it from me that "First signs of a face appearing magically from a first wash of watercolour" is pure alchemy. This is an extraordinary book."

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour:" Fastest Selling DVD!

"Amazing Ways With Watercolour" from Town House Films is the fastest selling DVD with the company to date! Record breaking pre-orders for this much awaited film saw requests for copies flooding in from all over the world. A wonderful introduction into working with watercolour minus the use of a preliminary sketch this DVD removes the fear, stress or pressure from worry about how to use watercolour. Instead the focus is on having fun, enjoying vibrant colour combinations and allowing the medium to create the subjects with just a little help from the artist. A really exciting new DVD to own. Whilst the DVD sold out in the first few months since its' release due to popularity it is now in stock and available directly from Town House Films.

http://www.townhousefilms.co.uk

How To Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour

"How to Paint Colour and Light in Watercolour" Jeans first book was launched at the Mall Galleries in 2010 at the SWA Society for Women Artists Annual Exhibition. Many copies have been sold world wide. It is available on Amazon.com, Search Press, SAA Society for All Artists and Ken Bromley.

"This book is a wonderful introduction into Jeans' way of working and gives an insight into her way of thinking and approach to a large variety of subjects. All painted minus the use of a preliminary sketch."