Are you a creative? Or struggling to find your niche?
History is rife with stories such as Albert Bierstadt’s (below), but I always love happening across them. When I was writing my Colorado Territory fiction, I had images of Bierstadt’s paintings scrolling by on my second monitor. So inspiring.
Albert Bierstadt (1830-1902), was a member of the Hudson River School. Bierstadt’s use of light, often referred to as “luminism,” is his trademark. Known primarily for his depictions of the American West, Bierstadt was the leading painter of the ever-expanding frontier during the 19th century. Today, the few Bierstadt works that become available at auction continue to bring in ever increasing prices.
Born in Solingen, Germany, Bierstadt’s family moved to Massachusetts when he was just two years old. In 1853, his blossoming interest in art lead him to formal study at the Düsseldorf School in Germany.
Upon his return to the United States, the artist’s subjects concentrated mainly on the New England area, until 1859, when he accompanied a land surveyor for the U.S. government to the western frontier. The sketches Bierstadt returned with became finished works that garnered him much financial success. Officially finding his niche, he would make numerous trips to the West throughout his career, creating paintings that detailed the bountiful beauty of the vast landscapes he encountered.
What a gifted painter he was, despite the disparaging opinions of critics of his day. So all you creatives, keep creating!
And do it for the glory of the Giver of the gift, not for recognition of the gift.
Are you a creative? What’s your creative outlet? What other “triumphing over critics” stories have you heard?
Continued blessings,
Tamera
Tamera Alexander
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A good lesson for us all. Stay true to what God has gifted you with. Don’t let others dictate what you do. I love the fact he painted what he wanted to in spite of what those around him said even unto bankruptcy.
Yes! Me too, Gail. Thanks for sharing today.
What beautiful pictures.. I am in awe of those with such talent… I agree with Gail… stay true to God’s gifts..
Yes, DK. He was so talented.
What a bittersweet story. They really are lovely paintings – it’s sad he had to declare bankruptcy but we wouldn’t have those paintings today if he had capitulated. This post is a funny coincidence – I just finished reading Witemeyer’s Stealing The Preacher which discussed this exact type of paintings!
How cool, Sparks! and true.
Tammy, I’m in awe of such talent and I admire anyone who is gifted in that manner.
My Mum and my Grandmother were amazing with their paintings but unfortunately,I did not inherit their talent.
Being somewhat of an “outdoor girl”, I was usually up the top of our Jacaranda tree, with my head buried in my book.Lol
Love that, Rosie, and can so picture you doing that. Continued prayers for your healing, friend.
What beautiful paintings. We are blessed that Bierstad did not listen to his critics.
How I love the American West.
Yes, Linda, so glad he didn’t cave. And me too on the American West.
I Love Bierstadt’s work. Have a couple of his prints. Being an artist and a prospective author, I can relate to the frustration of non-traditional ways. I love painting beautiful things and writing about beautiful places. But when the world gets dark spiritually – the lovely things must be compromised to sell. We need to stay true to Him. We are not of this world.
And this world is not our home, either, is it? Love that God has created a better place for us. Thanks for sharing, Sandy!
His art is gorgeous! What a shame that his work wasn’t given the real recognition that it deserved at the time. However, that isn’t always the case. Thank you for sharing a bit of his story with us.
I like to believe that he gained the recognition he needed from the Giver. At least I hope he did. Because that’s the sweetest gift of all. Using your gifts to glorify God, whatever those gifts are. Appreciate you, Faith!
Loved this, Tammy! He was certainly a very gifted painter, and I’m glad you shared his story (and some of his paintings) with us.
I’ve often said that I would’ve gotten along great with Dr. Seuss, and love his unique book characters and amusing rhymes.
I don’t think this is considered a “gift” but I LOVE making up silly poems/rhymes for various occasions, and my family always laughs at the funny birthday “poetry” I write and put on little signs for birthday celebrations. I figure if it gives them some chuckles, it’s worth it. 😉
You ARE gifted at the puns and rhymes, Patti Jo and I love that about you. Takes a cleverness and quickness of wit! Love you, friend.