In an age where artists are constantly being reminded that they must come out from behind the canvas, the plinth, the camera or whatever and put themselves forward if they want to succeed, it's worth reflecting on the career of Edward Burra (English 1905-1976).
Striptease (1934)
Stricken with painful arthritis from childhood, Burra mostly painted in watercolours as he felt this would put less strain on his hands. He was fascinated by the seedy side of life in London and Paris - as an observer, not a participant. After each trip abroad, he would return to his parents house to recuperate.
Snack Bar (circa 1930)
Despite his debilitating illness, he did have 3 things going for him; his parents were wealthy (he never had to work), he was a fine draughtsman, and he had a patron. His attitude to publicity can be summed up very simply; "I never tell anyone anything". He hated being interviewed.
This was Burra's response to the Spanish Civil War which he witnessed first hand in 1936.