Surfing through the latest drawings
added this month to Barebrush.com
I came across the above sketch by one Robert Fawcett
and even before investigating any further,
I just knew he had to be dead
(indeed -- he's been dead now for 40 years)
As the story goes... he started out in fine arts,
and only turned to illustration in desperation
to make a living.
What a loss to the artworld !
And what a tragedy
that nobody alive today
has his ability to draw the figure in space
"And what a tragedy
ReplyDeletethat nobody alive today
has this ability to draw the figure in space."
How absolutely withering.
Dang, he sure could draw!
ReplyDeleteAnd thanks for the citation that pointed to a quote from Lithopinion.
How did I forget about that magazine? It was one of those beautifully written, visually gorgeous ink-on-paper pubs I miss. (Most of the gorgeous visual pubs I see now are weak on wordsmithery, and vice versa...)
How very true, what a terrible loss to the Art world.
ReplyDeleteNow this time Chris I really think you have got it wrong. This is a very disappointing example of his work. Just look at the girl's left leg to start with. Could belong to someone else. I think he would be happier being remembered for his illustrations than this particular sketch. Having said that I will have to find some good work of his one would call “Art” won’t I?
Maybe I was exaggerating just a wee bit, Bill.
ReplyDeleteOf course there are people who can draw/compose that well -- here's one from New Mexico who will be teaching a workshop at my art club next month.
But ... the website, where I found the Robert Fawcett drawing, is a testament to the collapse of American visual culture over the past 50 years.
Chris - check out www.justinogilvie.com
ReplyDeleteThis is a young Canadian chap who draws the figure beautifully. G
I suppose my taste is way out in left (or is it right?) field -- but I have no problem with Fawcett's leg -- and I can't stand the drawings of Justin Ogilvie. (I really do think they're horrible)
ReplyDeleteMaybe what I'm looking for is something like a melody in music. Fawcett's got it -- regardless of what leg belongs to whom -- and Ogilvie just sounds like cacaphony to me.
But still -- I thank both of you for leaving comments on Mountshang and trying to set me straight !
The real test is in drawing hands (feet sometimes too). If they are missing you know why. Ask her to demonstrate at your workshop next month.
ReplyDelete