‘I think it’s because it was an emotional story, and emotions come through much stronger in black and white. Colour can be distracting, it pleases the eye but it doesn’t necessarily reach the heart’ Kim Hunter.
Photographs are by French photographer Denis Rion.
As soon as I saw these black and white photographs of the cast from En Bal D’amour my heart missed a beat or two. Through these images Denis Rion has captured a moment in time charged with emotion.
These portraits have reminded me of the power within a monochromatic image, be it a photograph or painting……
As a ‘colourist’ – I sometimes find it soothing and a way to switch off a part of my brain and yet sharpen another part, when I observe black and white images.
Greater emphasis is given to light play and form.
When I observe people in workshops becoming confused about ‘colour and tone’ – I recommend they make a colour photograph of their subject and then turn it into a black and white image, allowing focus on light play, form and tone.
There is such drama in these images.
My friend Claudia Nottale – director of the play.
Charcoal sketch of Claudia Nottale- 1995.
I am off to Dorset this weekend to visit my friend Maureen….who I went to art college with way back in the early sixties….
Here we are in 1964 – posing in front of the newly opened Commonwealth Institute in Kensington, London. It was such a simple, wonderful time to be alive.
Wishing one and all a beautiful weekend.
A Bientôt
My Life as an Artist (2) 
Marvellous photographs. I find b&w very soothing when my head is chock-a-block with thoughts as well as a when I need an inspiring change from colour so I completely understand what you’re saying. Your pose in that old photograph is so 60s. You could be Shrimpton or Twiggy or any number of 60s icons!
Good morning, Sarah…..Your comment certainly put a smile on my face:) Having been in Dorset for a few days – it’s time to get back on track. I thought of you as I stood on Poole beach looking across at the Isle of Wight. It looked so serene and separated from all the madness – at least from that point of view. Janet. xxx
Probably not separated as much as I would like – they voted Leave!
‘Wow’ pics in B & W! Most expressive! Lovely, Janet…Have a Super Time in Dorset…down memory lane! 😉 Hugs! ❤
Thank you, Buska…..I had a lovely time…Janet. xx
Hugs! ❤
Thanks for the inspiration! The photos are terrific and I loved this line you wrote: When I observe people in workshops becoming confused about ‘colour and tone’ – I recommend they make a colour photograph of their subject and then turn it into a black and white image, allowing focus on light play, form and tone.
Although, you are referring to painting, it also resonates with me to both my writing and life in general. It is looking at a problem, a situation, a perception, belief… through another lens.
Have a beautiful weekend as well, Janet.
Good morning, Carol, Thank you so much for this comment. I find that many elements of thinking as a painter, apply to writers and to life in general. So many times in my own life when I have been ‘stuck’ – I find that when I approach whatever the situation is from many different points of view…usually an answer is revealed. Have just returned from a lovely weekend in Dorset, and so now need to get back on track:) Have a beautiful day…janet. x
I hope you have a beautiful weekend with your friends Janet, love your photograph in the 60’s!! Wonderful B&W images above, the quote really sums up why I turn to charcoal and graphite so often – the two mediums taught me a lot about seeing, really seeing what’s in front of me. The B&W of the cast are exquisite examples – the lighting and drama is amazing. Less is more and your charcoal sketch of Claudia is superb!
Good morning, Mary. Thank you so much for your comment and yes, I did enjoy a really lovely weekend with my old art school friend. When we get together it’s as if no time has gone by whatsoever……the illusion of time is quite incredible. Putting this blog together has reminded me that ‘less is so often more’ – Hope you have a lovely day. Janet.:)
Love it Janet! That you had one of those very special weekends, but also could spend quality time with a wonderful friend. We had the same experience in April when very close friends visited that we hadn’t seen for 16 years and it was as if no time was lost. Hope you are well ~ have a wonderful week ahead.
Dear Janet, this is an insightful post. The Kim Hunter quote is so true — though I had never thought of it before. And Denis Rion’s photos are a superb illustration of it.
Thanks for including your charcoal of Claudia Nottale — such exquisite work. It’s always a joy to look at your artwork.
I love the college photo — it’s a perfect finale. You and Maureen have a terrific time. Have a thriving Thursday. Hummingbird hugs!
Good morning dear Teagan. Thanks for the comment….have just returned from a lovely weekend and so now it’s back to business, as we say:) Hope all is well….and that hummingbirds are humming around you. Janet. xx
That is very interesting and I too love the photos
Thank you, Katherine…much appreciated. xx
Wow! Wonderful art. Love the elephant! Incredible! 🙂
Thank you so much. Janet:)
Black and white can be effective. Some old B & W movies would not have been the same in colour.
I totally agree….thanks Peter. Janet. x
What a fabulous post, oh, just LOVED that last pic of you! What a little darling you were and still are, talented too boot! I loved your sketch, you caught the life force so well. Those black and white pictures are compelling. I couldn’t stop looking at them.xxx
Good morning, Dina….thank you so much for this comment – it has put a smile on my face:) Just returned from Dorset and so now it’s back to the real world! Hope all is well with you…..Janet. xxx
Janet, being an inveterate devotee of film noir, it was destined that I would love Monsieur Rion’s black and white photo portraits. Yes, that was a simple time here in the U.S. too, but things were heating up and about to get interesting. Love your charcoal sketch. (So that’s how you looked in ’64–beautiful–and you are still beautiful). There are many insightful comments here. Hope you had an enjoyable visit with your friend.
Good morning, David. Thank you so much for this comment….I had a lovely time with Maureen – always good to be with someone who has known you since early days – although in fact when we meet up it’s as if no time has gone by in the interim. The illusion of time! We are going through a very difficult time here in the UK, and so am feeling a little jarred by it all at the present. I thank God that I am an artist and painter….and that through my work am able to express myself and escape from some of the madness. Wishing you a lovely day. Janet:)
Great photos!
Thank you so much…Janet:)
Welcome!
You’re right about the power of black and white. And what a great picture too. I’m reading a book at the moment that I think you’ll enjoy but it hasn’t been published yet. I’ll share it soon. Have a great weekend, Janet! ♥
Thank you, Olga….I just sent you a message on twitter saying how wonderful I thought another recommendation from you…..’Let Me Tell You About A Man I Know’ – by Susan Fletcher. One of the more beautiful books I have read in a while. Janet. x
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