Walter Sickert

Walter Richard Sickert, ‘The Juvenile Lead’ (Self-Portrait) 1907

Walter Richard Sickert (1860-1942) was a British artist during the Impressionist period. The Impressionist period is known for its small loose brushstrokes and creative uses of light and color. He was a Post-Impressionist painter who went on to influence avant-garde art.

‘Suspense,’ 1916, oil on canvas

Walter Sickert was initially forced into theatre by his father, who was also an artist himself. He later moved into fine art and became James Whistlers’ apprentice. There he also came across Edgar Degas’s work and started to paint drawings on the spot.

‘Mornington Crescent nude, contre-jour,’ 1907, oil on canvas

His work stood out from the others as he was in England, and there were no other artists like him. He was a part of many societies that makes me believe his work was influential, and he was companionable. His use of photographs as a reference would later inspire pop art and other art movements.

‘La Maigre Adeline‘, 1906, oil on canvas

He was also a writer and teacher who mentored many along the way. Some notable personalities like Winston Churchill and David Bomberg are also believed to have been tutored by him.

‘Ennui’, 1914, oil on canvas

I personally really like Walter Sickert’s work and find his paintings transport me to another period after the industrial revolution with the World War just around the corner. It was a difficult time for most artists and people, but their phenomenal work is timeless and will always have a lasting impact on history.

REFERENCES

https://www.tate.org.uk/art/research-publications/camden-town-group/walter-richard-sickert-r1105345

https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/483377

https://artuk.org/discover/artworks/suspense-122804

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Impressionism

https://nga.gov.au/exhibition/edwardians/detail.cfm?IRN=127064