The Life and Art of Gudrun Poulsen
Born in Copenhagen, Gudrun Thorgerd Erna Poulsen was the daughter of a lawyer and a schoolteacher. Her early interest in drawing was perhaps encouraged by the sculptor Rudolph Tegner, a frequent visitor to her family home. Her fascination with landscapes and cows began during visits to her grandparents' farm near Bramming in southwestern Jutland, a place she later spent as much time as possible. After qualifying as a schoolteacher at N. Zahle's School, she took painting lessons under Erik Clemmensen and was admitted to the Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in 1945.
Poulsen's artistic style was characterized by light brushstrokes and dark earthy tones. Her favorite subjects were country scenes and animals, frequently depicting cows within hilly landscapes. From the 1960s, she spent much of her time on the island of Møn. In the 1970s, her focus turned toward religious works featuring animals. Her portfolio includes works such as Flight to Egypt and The Wise Men, which can be seen in Kvols Church and Feldborg Church.
Advocacy and Recognition
Beyond her canvas, Poulsen was a dedicated supporter of women artists. From 1954 to 1992, she headed Denmark's Society of Female Artists, where she worked to ensure women had the same visibility and rights as their male counterparts. Her leadership extended to several other institutions, including serving as treasurer for Kunstnernes Statsunderstøttede Croquisskole and becoming a board member of the Thorvaldsen Museum.
Throughout her career, Poulsen received several prestigious honors, including:
- The Oscar Carlsons Award in 1958
- The Eckersberg Medal in 1989
- The Danish Arts Foundation in 1990
