If you didn’t catch Lucien Freud: Painted life on BBC Two last night then you missed the treat of the week! It was a thoughtful, measured film but with an intense gaze rather like the one Freud brought to his work. It was fascinating on both the man and the artist, with quiet and valuable contributions from family and one or two close friends.
Freud’s (1992-2011) work is currently showing at The National Portrait Gallery London in an exhibition with which he collaborated in his final year. I’m hoping to see it on Tuesday. I think the quality of the paint itself is something that can only be hinted at on film and I am hoping to be, in the artist’s words.. astonished, disturbed, seduced, convinced.
What do I ask of a painting? I ask it to astonish, disturb, seduce, convince.- Lucien Freud
A moment of complete happiness never occurs in the creation of a work of art. The promise of it is felt in the act of creation but disappears towards the completion of the work. For it is then the painter realises that it is only a picture he is painting. Until then he had almost dared to hope the picture might spring to life. Lucien Frued
I also loved the film which was a work of art in itself. It made me understand Freud more and see gave me insight into his work, which can be challenging to the innocent eye. The most wierd element – in this man with such intense self -involvement and charisma – was his wide eyed all- encompassing stare, almost gargoylish in effect. During the programme I came to like the monumental sculpturesque nature of his work and so see his paint as clay, just as he saw his models. He reminded me of Michael Moran in John McGahern’s Amongst Women. wx
the link to the Lucien Freud programme – A Painted Life – which was broadcast on 18 Feb. – did not work. I would really like to see it. Can you help?
thank you.
Does anyone know if there are plans to release the documentary on DVD?