Here is a very simple drawing; My usual combination, Prismacolor on Canson Pastel paper. A line of varying weight describes edges and to some small extent the very darkest shadows. White pencil highlights show not only where the light falls but also defines mid-range shadows, - the flat blue areas of the body. Between the two we have a spare representation of 3-dimensional form viewed from ... where? Where would you place the artist's eye-level?
It is fun sometimes to analyze, - trying to put yourself in the artist's place and ask if you understand why the work looks as it does, or ask how you would handle the same situation. I don't know if the particular questions are important but I do know that looking at the work of others is very important. Really looking can reveal a lot!
Early in my training a 2-d design teacher sent our class to the MFA with instructions to find an interesting work and make a faithful copy. I wandered the galleries with my little folding stool and finally settled on a one-foot square scrap of old French tapestry. It was displayed low down in a wall case, low enough that I could sit comfortably with the material at eye level. I concentrated on the "simple" border design, - leaves, tendrils and small fruit. Piece of cake!
Even with my intention to get through the assignment easily, I did my best to draw carefully and make a good reproduction. It took hours of drawing and re-drawing! As I worked I became more and more involved and began following the artist's hand as he fitted the various elements together. It was amazing! By the time I was finished, I was intimately aware of the mind behind the anonymous design and was literally in love with that scrap of beautiful cloth. For many years following I never entered the Boston Museum of Fine Arts without spending time with that gorgeous little remnant.
It is fun sometimes to analyze, - trying to put yourself in the artist's place and ask if you understand why the work looks as it does, or ask how you would handle the same situation. I don't know if the particular questions are important but I do know that looking at the work of others is very important. Really looking can reveal a lot!
Early in my training a 2-d design teacher sent our class to the MFA with instructions to find an interesting work and make a faithful copy. I wandered the galleries with my little folding stool and finally settled on a one-foot square scrap of old French tapestry. It was displayed low down in a wall case, low enough that I could sit comfortably with the material at eye level. I concentrated on the "simple" border design, - leaves, tendrils and small fruit. Piece of cake!
Even with my intention to get through the assignment easily, I did my best to draw carefully and make a good reproduction. It took hours of drawing and re-drawing! As I worked I became more and more involved and began following the artist's hand as he fitted the various elements together. It was amazing! By the time I was finished, I was intimately aware of the mind behind the anonymous design and was literally in love with that scrap of beautiful cloth. For many years following I never entered the Boston Museum of Fine Arts without spending time with that gorgeous little remnant.
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