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On The Table Read, “the best arts magazine in the UK“, you can track the life of Queen Elizabeth II through the creative portraits made by artists over the course of her reign.
The world was shocked when, on the eighth of September, Queen Elizabeth II passed away, a figure who had some permanence in a tumultuous world departing. The impact on the public has been huge; according to ITV, in London, where her coffin is lying in state, queues to observe have reached 5 miles in length.
As with all big events, tributes start to come in thick and fast, yet in the world of art, a long legacy already sits in place as tribute to Elizabeth II. From simple and effective prints to stunning chalk art, her life can be traced through the medium of the portrait.
Simplicity, and Andy Warhol
The beauty of art is that it can convey a sense of real reverence, and can be an honest tribute, without needing to be picture-perfect or overly complex. Getting started in art can be as simple as picking up a pen, brush, and a set of templates, and some of the most lauded artists of all time are well-known for the simple but effective execution of their ideas. Andy Warhol was one such practitioner of the simple, and the understated clarity of his work came together in his iconic silkscreen print of the Queen as part of his Reigning Queens series, highlighted here by Elle magazine. The proliferation of such styles is a phenomenal boost for artists in the UK, too; even artists just starting out know they can create their own portraits which will still be heartfelt.
Practice and dedication
Not all portraits need be displayed to form a tribute, either, and recognition can still be felt. The BBC covered one such work of art, created by an amateur painter, Judy Guillery, from Swindon. Judy had painted a portrait of the Queen, in a modern style, and posted it for the Platinum Jubilee; she received a letter of thanks, stamped on the day of the Queen’s passing.
Commemorating this with a new portrait, Guillery shows that creativity can come from a place of poignancy and even private submissions have an important place.
On public display
One of the most stunning pieces of art yet has been that chalked by Julian Beever in Trafalgar Square. As featured by Yahoo News, the gigantic chalk mural features astonishing realism for the medium – as well as a degree of bravery, given how likely it is that rain will come to wash it away entirely. Similar murals have popped up from town to town, with one effort in Worcester well highlighted in the news media. A less conventional but perhaps more exposure grabbing form of art, this is an amazing show of talent and skill and fitting in the whole.
These tributes will go on for some time – and that’s a good thing. All art is valid, and in times of difficulty like the passing of the Queen, real creativity is brought out. That will be seen in the professional and hobbyist spheres for some time.
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