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November 13, 2005
First there is the drawing
I know I’m always going on about it, but, hell, without drawing the whole show goes to the dogs. Before I embark on a painting I do loads of drawings. In fact I’ve got drawers full of drawings.
Learn to draw and other things fall into place more easily. But don’t get me wrong: I mean drawing as an expression of emotion, not just pushing pencil.
standing angel, charcoal on paper 1530mm x 700mm
It’s a physical thing, it’s about being there: the swing of the arm, the contact of the charcoal, describing the form. It’s action, it’s getting all the senses in tune especially sight and touch. It’s the introduction, at an uncomfortable party, to a stranger who will become a friend.
There are always more drawings than paintings. The ratio is about six to one. Could be higher, I don’t know, I’m an artist not a statistician.
Posted by john at November 13, 2005 10:02 AM