The next step

I have worked from the live nude periodically since the early 1970's. This blog started August 9th, 2012 in my second year of working almost exclusively from the figure.

In the fall of 2015 I reintroduced still lifes and an occasional cityscape into my painting repertoire. Rather than abandon this figure blog or start a new one I decided to add them to the conservation.

All drawings and paintings posted on this blog were done entirely from live models or on location.

Friday, July 29, 2016

Only the Flaws

I'm sure many personality traits common to painters transfer positively into their everyday lives. A good painter must be focused, disciplined and dedicated. But what about traits that have negative consequences? Topping my personal list would be a tendency to be overly critical. I approach art (not just my own) with a heightened critical eye. I gravitate to the flaws.

(Don't look too hard at the baseboard trajectories in this 2009 figure study)

Male Nude, oil on canvas, 8" X 10", 2009

Without this flaw radar it is doubtful my work would ever improve. Problems arise when it encroaches on ones personal realm. I am a multi-flawed individual as are we all. Collectively we form an imperfect world. But going through life primarily focusing on what's wrong with ourselves, other people and the world in general is not an optimal way to live. Accepting, maybe even embracing, some of life's imperfections is a better course to chart.


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