Teachers of Mine: Anthony Palliser

Anthony Palliser was another of my favorite painting teachers at School of Visual Arts Savannah. He's a classy English fellow and a great storyteller. He has known legendary artists, although I will not attempt to recall them here. His work is methodical but soulful and experimental. He is a blend of Balthus, Luician Freud, Stanley Spencer, Chuck Close and even Philip Pearlstein.

After attending the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome, anthony settled in Paris, where he still lives and works. He frequents Savannah, and I was fortunate to cross paths with him during my years there.

I just got the chance to reconnect with Anthony last spring at his studio in Paris, and I managed to get a signed copy of his beautiful new book. One of the things that amazed me the most is the volume and breadth of

work in his studio.

The work ranged from traditional landscapes and portraits to near abstraction moments of pop art. It was a treat leafing through stacks upon tidy stacks of Anthony's drawings, and seeing his delight in the process.

Anthony became a mentor figure to my friend Gary Grier, who often appears in his paintings, such as the portrait below.

Looking back, I still can't believe the caliber of teachers were were blessed with at such a small art school in the deep south.

Here is a short video about Anthony's recent show at the Telfair Museum in Savannah.

Recently I have enjoyed his portraits of the actress, Kristen Scott-Thomas. What a face.

See more at AnthonyPalliser.com