David Milne: An Introduction to His Life and Art

by David P. Silcox, David Brown Milne

A richly illustrated biography of a fascinating artist. David Milne (1882-1953) experienced life as an artist in turn-of-the-century New York, as a soldier in World War I, and as a contemporary of the Group of Seven in Canada. This book traces the gifted painter's development over the course of tumultuous personal and historical events. Milne enjoyed early success, and five of his works were exhibited at the landmark Armory Show of 1913 in New York, alongside paintings by Monet, Duchamp, Matisse and Van Gogh. He was, according to America's foremost art critic, Clement Greenberg, among the three greatest artists of their generation in North America. His highly original paintings from his early career earned him critical acclaim, and at age 65 he was still considered, by curators and other artists, as Canada's most innovative artist. David An Introduction to His Life and Art is a richly illustrated book that elegantly captures the development of an artist who saw magic in everyday life and painted with verve and passion.

Genres: Art, Nonfiction, Biography

64 pages, Hardcover

First published July 3, 2005

Reviews

[GoldGato · Rating 4 out of 5]

David Milne's art made its way into my life one day at a party in the Hollywood Hills. The owner had an original Milne hanging on one of the walls and since I didn't recognize anyone at the gathering, I spent a good deal of time staring at the picture. As it turns out, I was at the wrong party. Driving at night, I had turned right, instead of left, but they let me stay anyway because the owner was pleased that someone else was absorbed in his collection.

I felt it was best to improve my knowledge of the artist, so that the next time I make a wrong turn in the Hollywood Hills and I find a Milne hanging on a wall, I can at least have something to discuss.

Ignored while alive, David Milne is now considered one of Canada's greatest artists. His work is stark, infused with a minimum of color or a focus on one color, perhaps to reflect the blinding light he saw within the Canadian wilderness. As the book explains, Milne was a restless man, always moving to different parts of North America to do odd jobs and to find the solitude he needed for his art.

WATERFRONT


"ABANDONED HOUSE"


This is a slight book and that is just fine as it is meant to be a beginner's overview of his art and an explanation of his life. I thought the bio contained some nuggets, such as Milne being taken advantage of by the rich and well-connected Masseys. And the outline of the book is very good, alternating text of his life with double pages of artwork, so the reader never gets bored. I would definitely suggest it for anyone wanting to learn more about David Milne. You never know when you might end up in the wrong house in the Hollywood Hills.

Book Season = Winter (Canadian tension)

[Nanaz · Rating 2 out of 5]

Beautiful artwork but bio written in a bit boring manner. It needed more meat & development.