How to Study Jamaican Painters

Jamaican painters have come to the forefront of art in a relatively short time. Caribbean flavor and culture is captured on canvas in a style with vibrant colors, use of intense subjects and a Caribbean setting. Jamaican painters strive to communicate with their audience by incorporating traditional Caribbean themes and culture into their work. Read on to learn how to study Jamaican painters.

Instructions

1. Research the Gallery of West Indian Art website. This resource houses a vast selection of Jamaican artists as well as artist from other Caribbean areas. The art illustrates the style and subject of these painters.

2. Research the works of Albert Artwell, born in 1942 in Catadupa, Jamaica. Artwell's work captures Jamaican culture with a touch of humor and concise imagery in fresh color. Artwell has works displayed in London, Chicago, Switzerland and in Jamaica's National Gallery.

3. Explore the works of Clifford Scott, also known as Bobart. Born in Westmoreland, Jamaica, Scott's work is known for illustrating Jamaican women in a market, bearing brilliantly colored fruit and vegetation in the serene Caribbean countryside. See his works in collections in Japan, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the United States and the Caribbean.

4. Consider the art of native Jamaican Milton Messam. His work is classical Caribbean with subject, color and style that typifies Jamaica and its culture. Compare his pieces of art with other Jamaican art.

5. Compare and contrast Jamaican art with art from other countries, styles and periods. Notice the difference in use of color, content, medium and perspective.

Tips & Warnings

• An understanding of Caribbean art, style and culture help when trying to appreciate the works of Jamaican painters.

• Some more Jamaican artists to look into are Errol Allen, Nelton Fisher, Elizabeth White and David Elliott Wilson.

• Keep an open mind when looking at the art, even if a piece is objectionable.

Resources

• Online Gallery of West Indian Art and Biographies of Jamaican Artists