Artistic Inspirations is a collection of 200 of Jindrich (Henry) Degen’s paintings, that has been arranged by his daughter, Eva, with assistance from her husband Alexander. Jindrich actively participated in selecting, editing, titling, and categorizing each work of art in the book. 

The collection has been divided into 12 categories:

• Still lifes
• City and Country
• Portraits
• Inspired by Nature
• Floral Inspiration
• Growth and Leafage
• Living Creatures
• Sound and Colour
• Inspired by Townscapes
• Spatial Expression
• Symmetry and Asymmetry
• Spirituality

 

About the Artist

Born in Prague, Czechoslovakia, in 1923, Jindrich (Henry) Degen enjoyed drawing since childhood. However, after completing secondary education, he decided to pursue his other great interest, music. From 1943 until 1979, he performed as principal oboist in symphony and opera orchestras in Prague, Sweden, and Australia (Melbourne Symphony Orchestra).       

After his retirement in Queensland (Australia), he began devoting himself to art. While living on the Sunshine Coast, he completed a three-year art course at the TAFE institute. Later in Redland City, as a member of the Yurara Art Society, he had taken part in workshops conducted by prominent artists, Irene Amos, Jan Jefferies, Jack Oudyn, and Michael John Taylor.     

Jindrich’s subject repertoire is diverse, and was directed by his personal mood or idea at the time. He enjoyed painting realistic subjects, such as nature themes, townscapes, portraits, and still lifes. Through colourful abstract art, he expressed subconscious feelings in images using various media (acrylic, pastel, water colour, and oil).      

For more about Jindrich Degen’s life and work, go to his artist website. 

Where to Get It

Artistic Inspirations exists in two editions – budget (small) and deluxe (large). To preview each, click on the Preview link on the respective above pages . Both editions, as well as several of our other books, are available to purchase through Blurb, a do-it-yourself company, which enabled us to create them.

Also available (from Apple devices only) as a free ebook (ibook). 

Comments about Jindrich Degen’s Art

Thank you for your paintings in which I see light and hope. I like the harmony of colours and shapes which give the impression of movement. Your artwork reflects optimism.
Ali D. (United Kingdom)

The colours in Jindrich’s art are very positive, reflecting optimism, as well as purity and wholesomeness. His versatility is amazing – the way his artwork ranges from impressionism and abstract to portraits and still lifes.
Col B. (Australia)

I like colours, freedom, and the resulting joy. This is exactly what I feel when I look at Jindrich’s pictures. I can imagine having some of them in my home.
Radka S. (Czech Republic)

I looked through Jindrich’s artworks and found them fascinating. I especially like the painting “In the Forest.” There I feel that I understand the forest – being able to perceive how it lives, grows, and receives nourishment from the roots.
Drahomira O. (Czech Republic)

Many thanks for the gifts that you have brought to us all through your long life of music and art.  We are all the richer for your presence!  I was interested to see so many mandala-like pieces – conveying a sense of completion – though I think my favourite work is “In the Forest”. Once again, thanks for the inspiration!
Erica M. (Australia)