UNDERSTANDING ABSTRACT ART #61

“Nude”  (Drawing)

(Charcoal on paper) 

Size:  76x107cm

MY IDEAS AND THIS DRAWING:

Those who may think that one only paints abstractly when one has no artistic ability, are wrong.  A person adopts a certain style of expression for various reasons, a little like musicians.  One would not these days, say that people who play experimental music or electronic music or jazz do so because they are not classically trained or untalented.  There are many examples of truly great musicians who prefer to play in a certain style regardless of their early training.  Art is similar – an artist prefers a certain mode of expression because of a range of reasons. I paint abstractly because it is the best way to express (for me) the abstract subjects that I wish to address.  Things like environmental degradation, or even person emotional or spiritual state of being are sometimes difficult to convey in words - particularly if others have no experience of these states.  Abstract art permits the viewer to an insight into the painter’s experience (that is, if they take the time to experience the viewing as a shared interaction).  Too often viewers’ (and also judges of art competitions) spend too little time considering the content of an art work.  These days art judging for competition is done by viewing the digital photographs of the paintings.  This is not right and sadly reflects the commercial emphasis that governs every aspect of our lives at this period of time.  There is no way that a judge can make decisions on paintings of varying sizes when every digital image is the same size.  This is not judging the paintings but rather judging digital images that include a process of photography and other digital enhancements.  Nevertheless this is the way it is, and as a result, like everything else, sensitivity is diminished and often times, paintings that are representative of something are selected because they are seen by the public as being “good” art..

Another thing that I think judges of art competitions should be asked to do, is to write a couple of paragraphs on why they consider a painting worthy of the prize.  This then would help educate the public in just what criteria in their opinion, make “good” paintings.  Given the amount of money offered as prizes these days, I think that this should not be a subjective matter but should be justified and that everyone should know the basis for that decision.

Drawing Techniques :

This drawing was done at a life drawing session.  It is of no one in particular but is just an exercise in drawing.   I find that my drawing is much freer if I use the method of contour drawing.  This is when one looks at the subject (the person) and allow your hand to draw what your eyes are seeing when they travel along the contour of the shape.  Your eyes stay on the subject while you draw.  This sounds hard but it really is not so difficult as your mind knows what to do.

Life drawing is certainly enhanced by practice – something I have not had in years.

I personally prefer not to portray the whole body – this could be because I do not want to get into the laboured exercise of depicting something in detail.  Therefore in this drawing the head and feet are left out.

I included this drawing in my blog of Understanding Abstract Art because people may be tempted to think that I can’t draw which is not the case.

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