Off Course

Thirteen years ago I started painting the figure in oils. Assuming that improvement would come with practice, I sought out group sessions and hired private models as often as time and money would allow. Some relative successes early on gave me a false sense of confidence. With no solid core of knowledge my work frequently drifted off course - often spectacularly. Capturing a flesh and blood human being would prove far more complex and difficult than I could ever have imagined.

Two figure studies, oil on linen, 11" X 14", 2005

The Zorn Palette

I have long admired the Swedish painter Anders Zorn (1860 - 1920). Known as a consummate "painters painter", Zorn has the rare distinction of being known for his palette. A great deal of myth and controversy surround Zorn's palette as it takes the concept of "limited" to the extreme.

Seeking a fundamental change in the way I approach painting the figure, I have elected to give Zorn's most basic palette a try. Below is my fourth attempt. Let's see where this goes.

Male Nude Study, oil on linen, 14" X 12", 2017

Marketable

Producing pictures primarily for the purpose of making sales has never worked for me. A need to paint only what moves me, combined with a critical eye toward my own work, has saved me from "selling out". And I do mean saved.

With rare exceptions, artists who produce work based on sales potential rather than their personal passions pay a price. Their work inevitably suffers when directed by market forces that reward conformity and mediocrity.

Female Nude Study, oil pastel on toned paper, 11" X 9", 2015