We found this on our last trip:
It’s a print by Bernard Buffet, a French painter. Once again, we appear to have found something that, despite not knowing anything about it, could actually be quite interesting. To me, this seemed to be an example of mass market art; standing quite well alongside the Tretchikoff and Lynch prints we love so much. Don’t get me wrong, I really quite like his style.
Even more so when I found this online:
Could it be more perfect for this blog?
Anyway, I digress… Just a quick look at some of the websites dedicated to Buffet seem to indicate a far greater acceptance of his work than other mass market artists working at the same time. Is this because his work does not feature big eyed children? Or busty, semi-naked or green-skinned women? What makes one person’s work ‘arty’ and prestigious, whilst another is considered vulgar or mass-produced? A question I’m sure I’ve asked before (and will probably ask again).
Whatever the answer, I quite like his work. And – as always – I don’t need much of an excuse to indulge in lots and lots of pictures of things I like…
He also liked birds of a different variety:
There are tons more. Some useful and interesting links are below:
- Musee Bernard Buffet
- Buffet on Wikipedia
- Bernard Buffet Prints for Sale
Little Owl Ski 
I have the same one! I found it a garage sale a few years ago. Have only just now decided to google him. I love it.
What a great find! I love the owl, actually. Thanks for following my blog – it led me to find yours, which I have spent the last half-hour discovering. So glad I found you!
Have a great day.
http://theycallmemummy.com
Thank you – I also did the same last night, spent ages reading your posts! My friend actually sent me a link to you over Twitter, so I have to give her the credit really! Emma x
Love it! I picked one at an estate sale “Woman with Hat”. It’s hard to look away from some days.
I was first made aware of Bernard Buffet at the Vatican Art Museum where his gigantic multi-panel crucifixion scene from 1969 is on display. The work is striking, graphic, harsh and covers the walls of two rooms. It was essentially brand new when the contemporary art collection opened at the Vatican in 1973.
I was surprised to see such a stark piece of art at the Vatican, but of course, I totally loved it and became an instant fan of Buffet.
One of the pieces can be seen here: http://www.vaticanartpatrons.org/portfolio-items/nativity-and-st-veronica-by-bernard-buffet/