Category: Reaction

Little Sumthin.

12/12/2016

Drawing 12·11·2016, pencil on paper, 20x16 inches

I know. In today's title, the word "something" is misspelled. That incorrect word is made of "sum" and "thin", which are both appropriate to yesterday's drawing. I flattened the background with abstract planes. I constantly look for a direct manner of engagement. This drawing is broken into vertical, roughly rectangular, sections. When I make such a drawing I often think of Mark Rothko's late work. Rothko is one of mid-twentieth century's most successful artists. Rothko's art still resonates with today's viewers. Calendars of his work continue to be BIG sellers. You can not find a calendar with Willem de Koonings paintings, but many are made with Rothko's paintings. I wonder about this, so I occasionally react to it in my drawing, thus my "little sumthin".

Mark Rothko, "No.6", oil on canvas, 1954

Short, but OK, and RE: Peter Saul.

11/23/2015

Drawing-11·22·2015, pencil on paper, 20X16 inches

I spent much of Saturday November 21st looking at, then thinking about, the art of Peter Saul. I saw many of his works, perhaps 30 to 40, at the Hall Art Foundation in Reading, Vermont. It was a retrospective. A friend, who saw the exhibit with me, later called the work, "tawdry." I have to agree. The other person I saw the exhibit with said, "He is acting out, like a spoiled brat." I also agree with this assessment. If you do not know the work of Peter Saul look at the reproduction of one of his works at the end of this post

This brings me to personal assessment of my work. Yesterday I was tired. I limited my time in the studio. The work came easily, energizing me as I went along. I can say this: it bothers me that I do not make art like anyone else. Henri Matisse said something similar. However, it is the work I must do. My own work fascinates me because it is revelatory.

Peter Saul, "The Government of California", 1969

Quick, today in art-making...

5/19/2015

"Lava" (Painting-05·03·2015, state 6), oil on canvas, 52X60 inches

Today's work is a simple reaction to the failures of my last studio session. Not there yet.

Drawing-05·19·2015, pencil on paper, 16X20 inches

Little Sumthin.

Short, but OK, and RE: Peter Saul.

Quick, today in art-making...

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