Robert Bevan English artist Date of Birth: 05.08.1865 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Robert Bevan
2. Time in Pont-Aven, Brittany
3. Settling in Exmoor and Marriage
4. Fauvist Movement and Exhibitions
5. Later Years and Legacy

Biography of Robert Bevan

Robert Bevan was an English artist born into an ancient Quaker family with Welsh roots. In 1888, he enrolled at the Westminster School of Art and later studied at the Académie Julian in Paris alongside notable artists such as Paul Sérusier, Pierre Bonnard, Jean-Édouard Vuillard, and Maurice Denis.

Time in Pont-Aven, Brittany

In 1890, Bevan traveled to Brittany, specifically to the artist colony of Pont-Aven, accompanied by fellow artist Eric Forbes-Robertson. He returned to Brittany again in 1893 before embarking on a journey to Morocco via Madrid to study the paintings of Velázquez and Goya firsthand. During his time in Pont-Aven, Bevan formed friendly relationships with artists such as Paul Gauguin and was influenced by the works of Vincent van Gogh, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and the emerging Synthetist movement.

Settling in Exmoor and Marriage

In 1894, Bevan returned to England and settled in Exmoor, where he dedicated himself to painting and hunting. In 1897, he met Polish artist Stanisława Karłowska, and they married in Warsaw at the end of the same year. In 1900, the Bevan family relocated to London, and they spent the summer seasons in Poland between 1901 and 1904, during which Bevan produced numerous artworks.

Fauvist Movement and Exhibitions

Under the influence of Gauguin, Bevan joined the Fauvist movement in 1904. His first solo exhibition took place in 1905, followed by a second one in Sussex in 1908. These exhibitions showcased Bevan's early paintings, characterized by Divisionism and Pointillism techniques. In the same year, Bevan exhibited five of his paintings at a progressive artists' exhibition in London's Albert Hall, closely associated with the French Salon des Indépendants. He also became a member of the London Group of artists and the Fitzroy Street Group founded by Walter Sickert. In 1911, Bevan joined the Camden Town Group.

Later Years and Legacy

During World War I, Bevan spent time in Poland and Sussex. In 1922, he became a member of the New English Art Club (NEAC). The artist spent his final years in the rural countryside of Devonshire before passing away from cancer. Bevan primarily painted landscapes, portraits, and animal depictions, particularly horses. He was also actively involved in lithography for many years.