"Drawing is like making an expressive gesture with the advantage of permanence,"
Henri Matisse
That Magic Girl, NF, 24 x 12, 2017, Acrylic on Linen
Back to the drawing board! I have been spending lots of time producing -- and not enough time on filling the tank.
Luckily, recently it's become quite clear to me that a return to the basics was in order. And, oh, the answers sought are right there -- just by drawing, even for 5 minutes, each evening.
For this painter, catching the essence of the subject is the goal. Details and rendering are NOT! Life is easier if I am fluent in seeing...and SEEING is honed by sketching, drawing and observing.
Below are a few paintings of mine, one recent and others through the ages, as well as wonderful collected paintings here in my home...which serve as reminders of the truth of quiet study and easy flow.
Quiet Moment, NF, 16 x 8, 2017, Oil on linen
A couple of my studies from the (somewhat ancient :-) past:
Michael, 9 x 12, NF, c. 2000, Oil on canvas
Pensive, 16 x 8, NF, c. 2008, oil on linen
Sarah at Five, 12 x 9, NF, c. 2012, oil on linen
Now look at these gorgeous paintings in my petite collection, illustrating the humanity and universality of the subjects -- done with an ease of expression possible only from confident practice and frequent studies:
Conte Crayon Drawing, Susan Lyon, c. 2008
Simple Pose, Diane Eugster, c. 2003
Knowing Glance, Scott Burdick, c. 2002
For me, perhaps a bit of growth has happened, but for sure, the nice paintings in my home serve up constant inspiration, if I just remember to LOOK!
FYI, yesterday a few spaces opened in my figure study workshops next week here in the Atlanta area. The first workshop is on April 4 -5th, and the second April 6-7th. If you have interest, contact Rae Broyles, Fountainhead Art Space , raebroyles@me.com!
Quick Study of Annie, 9 x 12, NF, oil on linen, c. 2011
Bonjour,
ReplyDeleteJ'aime beaucoup cette dernière oeuvre avec cette petite fille en mouvement de dos. La douceur des couleurs est apaisante. Elles créent un merveilleux rayonnement.
Gros bisous 🌸
All beautiful and especially love the one of Michael. You are such a wonderful artist and teacher- always learning and growing yourself. Always love reading your thoughts-sketching daily is a wonderful habit. Capturing the essence of your subject is a gift! Take care, Kathy
ReplyDeleteMerci, Martine! And Kathy, thanks for your kind words...enjoy the day!
ReplyDeleteI wish I could come to your workshop. I could use some Nancy knowledge and fun. It seems that the only times I do figures now is for commissions and they are way too tight. I miss you and hope to see you at one of your future workshops! And.....exquisite work!
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