Brian Dunlop: Orpheus' Flute (2009)
Brian worked from life, usually with a model. I
observed the evolution of a painting from its
Smart, amongst others, whose teacher was Fernand
Leger, who was taught by Gerome, etc . . .
beginning, with a variety of sketches, to the block-in
Brian often let me block in his paintings,
of the painting, to the finished work – when the issue
especially his portrait commissions. He was always
of "when is the painting finished?" continually pops
very relaxed about drawing and painting, and I still
up. Also the framing, the exhibition and dealing with
admire that he was always painting even under
art galleries. After teaching for many years, I've
terribly difficult conditions. My early works were
realised this is what art students generally miss out on.
very much influenced by him – often I would literally
In the studio I met many artists, such as Llyod Rees,
copy his ideas, to his silent amusement and
Justin O'Brien, Jeffery Smart, Margaret Olley,
embarrassment. Now I realise that we instinctively
Salvatore Zofrea and Brian Westwood. I felt I was
knew copying was a traditional way of learning and a
part of a long tradition – Brian was taught by Jeffery
form of flattery. Soon I realised we both shared a love