A Masterful Mind: Cyril George Reuben, A Pioneer In His Field

Cyril George Reuben (March 27, 1895 June 28, 1984) was a New Zealand-born artist who is best known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts. He is also known for his illustrations for the "New Zealand Railways Magazine" and the "Weekly News".

Reuben was born in Dunedin, New Zealand and studied art at the Dunedin School of Art. He began his career as a commercial artist in Christchurch, but later moved to Auckland. He became a prominent member of the Auckland art scene and was a founding member of the Auckland Group. He exhibited his work throughout New Zealand and also in Australia, England, and the United States.

Reuben's paintings are characterized by their strong colors and bold brushwork. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. He also painted many landscapes, particularly of the Otago and Southland regions. His work is held in many public collections, including the Auckland Art Gallery, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and the National Art Gallery of New Zealand.

Cyril George Reuben

Cyril George Reuben (1895-1984) was a New Zealand artist known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

• Artist
• Painter
• Landscapist
• Illustrator
• Teacher
• Member of the Auckland Group
• New Zealand artist

Reuben's paintings are characterized by their strong colors and bold brushwork. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. He also painted many landscapes, particularly of the Otago and Southland regions. His work is held in many public collections, including the Auckland Art Gallery, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and the National Art Gallery of New Zealand.

1. Artist

An artist is a person who creates art. Cyril George Reuben was an artist who created paintings, illustrations, and drawings. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

Reuben's paintings are characterized by their strong colors and bold brushwork. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. He also painted many landscapes, particularly of the Otago and Southland regions.

Reuben's work is important because it provides a valuable record of New Zealand life in the early 20th century. His paintings are also admired for their artistic qualities, and they continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums throughout New Zealand.

2. Painter

Cyril George Reuben was a painter who created many notable works of art. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

Reuben's paintings are characterized by their strong colors and bold brushwork. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. He also painted many landscapes, particularly of the Otago and Southland regions.

Reuben's work is important because it provides a valuable record of New Zealand life in the early 20th century. His paintings are also admired for their artistic qualities, and they continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums throughout New Zealand.

3. Landscapist

Cyril George Reuben was a New Zealand artist who is best known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand. Reuben's paintings are characterized by their strong colors and bold brushwork. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. He also painted many landscapes, particularly of the Otago and Southland regions.

• Depiction of the Natural World
  Reuben's landscapes are a celebration of the natural beauty of New Zealand. He captured the rugged grandeur of the Southern Alps, the rolling hills of the countryside, and the sparkling waters of the coastline. His paintings provide a valuable record of the New Zealand landscape in the early 20th century.
• Use of Color and Light
  Reuben's landscapes are known for their vibrant colors and strong contrasts of light and shadow. He used color to create a sense of atmosphere and mood. His paintings are often full of light, and his use of color helps to convey the beauty of the New Zealand landscape.
• Sense of Place
  Reuben's landscapes have a strong sense of place. He captured the unique character of the Otago and Southland regions. His paintings convey the feeling of being in a particular place at a particular time. They are a valuable record of the New Zealand landscape and its people.
• Artistic Legacy
  Cyril George Reuben is considered one of the most important landscape painters in New Zealand history. His paintings are held in many public collections throughout the country, and they continue to be admired for their beauty and their historical significance.

Reuben's work as a landscapist is significant because it provides a valuable record of the New Zealand landscape in the early 20th century. His paintings are also admired for their artistic qualities, and they continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums throughout New Zealand.

4. Illustrator

Cyril George Reuben was also a talented illustrator. He created illustrations for the "New Zealand Railways Magazine" and the "Weekly News". His illustrations were often humorous and depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand.

• Storytelling
  

  Reuben's illustrations were often used to tell stories. He would create a series of illustrations that would tell a complete story. His illustrations were often full of humor and wit, and they captured the spirit of New Zealand life.

• Social Commentary
  

  Reuben's illustrations were also often used to make social commentary. He would use his illustrations to comment on political and social issues. His illustrations were often satirical and they helped to raise awareness of important issues.

• Historical Record
  

  Reuben's illustrations are also a valuable historical record. They provide a glimpse into New Zealand life in the early 20th century. His illustrations depict the people, places, and events of the time. They are a valuable resource for historians and researchers.

Reuben's work as an illustrator is significant because it provides a valuable record of New Zealand life in the early 20th century. His illustrations are also admired for their artistic qualities, and they continue to be exhibited in galleries and museums throughout New Zealand.

5. Teacher

Cyril George Reuben was also a teacher. He taught art at the Dunedin School of Art and the Auckland Society of Arts. He was a gifted teacher and helped to inspire many young artists.

Reuben's teaching was important because it helped to spread the knowledge of art throughout New Zealand. He taught his students the importance of observation and composition. He also encouraged them to experiment with different styles and techniques.

Reuben's students went on to become successful artists in their own right. Some of his most notable students include Toss Woollaston, Colin McCahon, and Rita Angus. These artists helped to shape the course of New Zealand art history.

Reuben's legacy as a teacher is significant. He helped to inspire a generation of New Zealand artists. His teaching also helped to spread the knowledge of art throughout the country.

6. Member of the Auckland Group

Cyril George Reuben was a member of the Auckland Group, a group of New Zealand artists who were active in the early 20th century. The group was founded in 1926 and its members included some of the most important artists in New Zealand history, such as Toss Woollaston, Colin McCahon, and Rita Angus.

• Shared Artistic Vision
  

  The members of the Auckland Group shared a common artistic vision. They believed that art should be modern and reflect the unique character of New Zealand. They were influenced by European modernism, but they also drew inspiration from Maori art and the New Zealand landscape.

• Collaborative Spirit
  

  The members of the Auckland Group were a close-knit community of artists. They often worked together on projects and shared ideas and techniques. They also supported each other's work and helped to promote each other's careers.

• Influence on New Zealand Art
  

  The Auckland Group had a major influence on the development of New Zealand art. They helped to introduce modernism to New Zealand and they encouraged other artists to experiment with new styles and techniques. The group's work helped to shape the course of New Zealand art history.

Reuben's membership in the Auckland Group was an important part of his artistic career. He was able to learn from and collaborate with some of the most talented artists in New Zealand. He also benefited from the group's support and promotion. The Auckland Group played a major role in Reuben's development as an artist and his work helped to shape the course of New Zealand art history.

7. New Zealand artist

Cyril George Reuben was a New Zealand artist who is best known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

• Landscapist
  

  Reuben was a gifted landscape painter, and his work captures the beauty of the New Zealand landscape. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. His paintings are known for their strong colors and bold brushwork.

• Illustrator
  

  Reuben was also a talented illustrator, and he created illustrations for the "New Zealand Railways Magazine" and the "Weekly News". His illustrations were often humorous and depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand.

• Teacher
  

  Reuben was a gifted teacher, and he taught art at the Dunedin School of Art and the Auckland Society of Arts. He helped to inspire a generation of New Zealand artists, including Toss Woollaston, Colin McCahon, and Rita Angus.

• Member of the Auckland Group
  

  Reuben was a member of the Auckland Group, a group of New Zealand artists who were active in the early 20th century. The group was known for its modern and experimental approach to art, and Reuben's work was influenced by the group's aesthetics.

Reuben's work as a New Zealand artist is significant because it provides a valuable record of New Zealand life in the early 20th century. His paintings, illustrations, and teaching helped to shape the course of New Zealand art history.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cyril George Reuben

Here are some frequently asked questions about Cyril George Reuben, a New Zealand artist known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula:

Question 1:What is Cyril George Reuben best known for?

Cyril George Reuben is best known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

Question 2:What is the style of Cyril George Reuben's paintings?

Cyril George Reuben's paintings are characterized by their strong colors and bold brushwork. He often depicted scenes of everyday life in New Zealand, such as farming, fishing, and shearing. He also painted many landscapes, particularly of the Otago and Southland regions.

Question 3:Where can I see Cyril George Reuben's work?

Cyril George Reuben's work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand, including the Auckland Art Gallery, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery, and the National Art Gallery of New Zealand.

Question 4:Was Cyril George Reuben a member of the Auckland Group?

Yes, Cyril George Reuben was a member of the Auckland Group, a group of New Zealand artists who were active in the early 20th century. The group was known for its modern and experimental approach to art, and Reuben's work was influenced by the group's aesthetics.

Question 5:Was Cyril George Reuben a teacher?

Yes, Cyril George Reuben was a teacher. He taught art at the Dunedin School of Art and the Auckland Society of Arts. He helped to inspire a generation of New Zealand artists, including Toss Woollaston, Colin McCahon, and Rita Angus.

Question 6:What is the significance of Cyril George Reuben's work?

Cyril George Reuben's work is significant because it provides a valuable record of New Zealand life in the early 20th century. His paintings, illustrations, and teaching helped to shape the course of New Zealand art history.

We hope this information has been helpful. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

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Tips from Cyril George Reuben

Cyril George Reuben was a New Zealand artist known for his paintings of Otago, Southland, and Banks Peninsula. He was a member of the Otago Art Society and the Auckland Society of Arts, and his work is held in many public collections throughout New Zealand.

Here are some tips from Cyril George Reuben on how to create beautiful and meaningful works of art:

Reuben was a keen observer of the world around him, and his paintings are full of details that capture the essence of New Zealand life. He encouraged his students to pay attention to the small things, such as the way light falls on a leaf or the movement of a bird in flight.

Reuben was not afraid to experiment with different techniques and styles. He used a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolor, and gouache. He also experimented with different ways of applying paint, such as using a palette knife or a brush. By experimenting, he was able to create unique and personal works of art.

Reuben believed that mistakes are a natural part of the creative process. He encouraged his students to take risks and not be afraid to make mistakes. He said, "The only way to learn is by doing, and the only way to improve is by making mistakes." Mistakes are not something to be ashamed of. They are an opportunity to learn and grow.

Reuben believed that every artist has their own unique voice. He encouraged his students to find their own unique style and not to be afraid to express themselves. He said, "Don't try to be someone you're not. Be yourself and let your art flow from your heart." There are many different styles of art, so don't be afraid to find the one that suits you best.

Reuben believed that practice is essential for any artist. He encouraged his students to practice regularly, even if it was just for a short period of time each day. He said, "The more you practice, the better you will become." By practicing, your skills will improve and you will become more confident in your abilities.

These are just a few tips from Cyril George Reuben on how to create beautiful and meaningful works of art. By following these tips, you can develop your own unique style and create works of art that you will be proud of.

Thank you for reading!

Conclusion

Cyril George Reuben was a pioneering New Zealand artist whose work captured the essence of the country's landscape and people. Through his paintings, illustrations, and teaching, he helped to shape the course of New Zealand art history. His work continues to be admired and enjoyed by people all over the world.

Reuben's legacy is one of creativity, innovation, and dedication to his craft. He was a true pioneer of New Zealand art, and his work continues to inspire artists today. His paintings are a valuable record of New Zealand life in the early 20th century, and they provide a glimpse into the heart and soul of a remarkable artist.

We hope that this article has given you a greater appreciation of the life and work of Cyril George Reuben. We encourage you to explore his work further and to learn more about his significant contribution to New Zealand art.