This is a question I get asked A LOT. My art mostly fits into the genre of naive art. And so it’s a great question. One I always love to answer! So let’s get talking all things ‘naive art’ today!
What makes a painting naive?
Naive art is my favourite art to look at as well as paint. I know a piece of naive art when I see it because it’s childlike and brightly coloured. People, architecture, animals and flowers are often out of proportion in some way and the rules of perspective are ignored.
And that’s why I love it! Take away the rules of painting and you get to the heart of expressive painting and the essence of the subject. Character and story are prioritised. What more could you ask for?
There is such beauty in the simplicity of naive art and it’s so much fun! Some naive artists even purposefully add humour to their work. You don’t need a degree in art history to understand it and it’s guaranteed to make you smile.
And smiling is good for your heart. Studies have shown that smiling when stressed, reduces the stress response in your body even if you don’t feel particularly happy!
How cool is that? Scientists are proving that naive art is great for your heart and health. Less stress, better overall health and research shows happier people live longer! So let’s get surrounding ourselves with art that makes us smile!
Who paints in the style of Naive Art?
Well of course there is me! But not just me! Naive art has it’s famous and popular artists to draw inspiration from.
Here are my top three favourites:
Henri Rousseau (1844–1910)
It would be very rude not to mention this wonderful French painter. His ‘Tiger in a Tropical Storm (Surprised)’ encapsulates everything about naive art. The story, the character, the drama and even humour as the tiger’s teeth appear to be chattering. A noble beast like this afraid of a rainstorm!?’
Beryl Cook (1926 – 2008)
The first artist I think of when someone mentions naive art is the fabulous Beryl Cook. Her paintings are such wonderful examples of social commentary. She painted everyday people in everyday life situations from hen nights to families at the seaside. Her style is bold, eccentric and so much fun.
Morris Hirshfield (1872–1946)
This Polish American artist is one of my greatest influences. I mean look at this tiger taking up space – the king of his realm. I love the childlike painting style of this artist because despite the simplicity, there is so much depth in one’s response to it.
Final Note on Naive Art
This is how The Tate describes this art genre:
Naïve art is simple, unaffected and unsophisticated – usually specifically refers to art made by artists who have had no formal training in an art school or academy.
What links the above three artists is their lack of formal training in the world of art. But what I would say is that, having had some formal education myself, to paint good quality naive art is an immense skill.
And there are many artists who are formally trained (myself included here) who choose to paint in this spontaneous style. Take Picasso for example. He spent his life creating art that was childlike and primitive in style, wanting to create with the spirit of the artist he was when he was young. He famously said:
Learn the rules like a pro, so you can break them like an artist. Pablo Picasso
I’m with Picasso on this! I’ve found the freedom to express because I’ve thrown the rule book out the window. As you can see right here:
My quirky animals are fun, brightly coloured, childlike and yet full of character and story. It’s artwork inspired by the naive art tradition with an abstract twist!
For original crow art- >>> click here.
For original bird art >>>> click here
>>> Click here for a range of giclee naive art prints, including limited editions.
