Ars longa, vita brevis. This Latin saying translates as "art is long, life is short" sums up the timelessness of what every artist leaves behind them.
If you're an art lover who wants to invest in unique pieces then you've probably heard of Ken Done and his work. If you haven't this is a perfect chance to check his unique pieces.
Who's Ken Done?
Done, born on June 29, 1940, in Sydney, had an unconventional path to success. Instead of completing his schooling, he decided to pursue his passion for art and enrolled in the National Art School in East Sydney at the young age of 14. After five years of dedicated study, he embarked on a remarkable journey as an art director and designer, making a name for himself in New York, London, and Sydney.
However, at the age of 40, Ken made a bold decision to leave behind his flourishing advertising career and fully dedicate himself to painting. This leap of faith paid off as he went on to showcase his artwork in more than 100 solo exhibitions worldwide. His talent and creativity have been recognized in prestigious art competitions such as the Archibald, Sulman, Wynne, Blake, and Dobell Prizes.
In 1991, Ken's artwork captivated audiences in Japan, attracting an impressive 200,000 visitors during a major touring exhibition. His first European exhibition took place in Paris in 1996, receiving widespread acclaim. The year 2000 marked another milestone in his career as his art was successfully premiered in both Los Angeles and London, solidifying his international reputation.
Ken Done's Art Style
Madonna and Dog 2000
This is a unique piece that stands out in Australian art. Unlike traditional paintings of the Madonna, this one features her holding a dog, Spot. Done's wife, Judy, serves as the model for Madonna, with a radiant halo bestowed upon her. The painting is bold, cheerful, and decorative, typical of Done's style. The attention to detail in each element of the painting is rewarding, from Judy's body inspired by Henri Matisse to the peaceful presence of Spot. Judy's pose, with her head tilted towards a Ken Done painting on the wall, exudes a sense of pride and protection. The effortless and spontaneous nature of the painting may deter some from scholarly analysis, but others may appreciate the subtle references to art history, such as Constantin Brâncuşi's Sleeping Muse.
Walking the Dog, 1991
Done's artwork captures the essence of Sydney, from sunny beach scenes to rainy days and historical events. His self-portraits reflect different stages of life and artistic exploration. In "Walking the Dog," Done is depicted with his loyal companion, Spotty, enjoying the outdoors. The bond between man and dog is evident in "Looking at the sun," as they watch over Ken's son windsurfing.
Me, 1992
In 2016, Ken sketched Spot's portrait and made a little mistake by placing his ears in the wrong spot. However, he decided to keep the traces of the misplaced ears because they give the impression of movement. He also added smudged areas under Spot's chin and beside his foreleg and back to enhance the sense of motion. Spot's tail is thick at the tip and thinner at the base, but it looks like it's wagging.
Ken also added white highlights to Spot's eyes, which are rimmed with kohl, and gave him a smile on his face to capture Spot's everlasting eagerness to join in. Bexley and Indi, the Dones' granddogs, had their tails and ears up, and their tongues were out. Although Bex had a slightly crooked lower canine that sometimes scared children, it was clear that both Bex and Indi had good intentions. Only a kind-hearted man like Ken could paint such lovable mutts. Through his artwork, Done continues the great tradition of showcasing the wonderful aspects of Australia.
Why Choose His Art
He Isn't Afraid of Colour
Done loves vibrant colours and isn't afraid to use them. The synesthesia gives you a soothing feeling and something to gladly look at. For instance, his original artwork Spotted Yellow Coral is a perfect choice for just any room in your house or office. The vivid blues, yellows and greens give you the feeling as if you've dived deeply into the ocean where the coral reef peacefully breathes in and out.
Great Art Investment
Investing in art is always a smart idea. And even if your finances aren't allowing you to spend millions of dollars on paintings, you can still afford to get a few of Done's paintings. And the great thing is that you're supporting a local artist whose worldwide success was acclaimed decades ago.
Excellent Gift
If you're tired of choosing same-old gift choices, why not give art a try? Done art can match anyone's taste and home style. His paintings can be the perfect wall art for your artistic friends, parents, teenagers or for your business collaborators.
