"Miss M" -(second sketch for painting)

[MichaelRH]

Sketch#2 in a series.
Red,blue, and graphite pencil. 6"X10"
(sketch based on another photo of Margarete)
Indian Cove, California
<IMG SRC="http://www.wetcanvas.com/Critiques/User/MissM2.jpg" border=0>

[arlene]

wow, you are really taking this to the extreme...is sort of looking like picasso...so far so good.

------------------
http://www.artdebut.com/arlene0.htm (http://www.artdebut.com/arlene.htm)

[MichaelRH]

Arlene -
I was thinking there is a similarity with the distortions, but I feel that Picasso was leaning toward a distortion of the figure based upon his approach to cubism. I think he was also very much interested in visual impact, something I feel is also important..even if it is ONLY for the sake of that impact.
I feel a very important factor for Picasso was simply the exploration..his work was always changing...through-out his whole life. And, I think he had good feelings about HOW he was expressing himself. I personally feel that (regardless of what has been written about his attitude toward women)..his geometric figure distortions..were simply "play" for him. I think he simply enjoyed making paintings that look they way they do. Some other forms of symbolism (or psychological reasons!!) MAY have been factors..but I feel they were not necessarily the MAIN factors. I think he may have had just as much FUN...expressing himself..using male figures. Just my opinion.
Arlene, as far as you know..did anyone ever ASK Picasso what his later work meant?? I'm afraid that other than reading a biography about Picasso...I've read very little about his reasons for painting many of his paintings. I really don't know much about his specific motives. (Cindy..any word on this??)..or anyone else?

[larrygile]

Michael, Sorry, but I liked her better the lst time, and looking at her smile,(missing) I think she liked herself better the lst time too. But, I still like your style.

------------------
Larry aka Lar/ge

[tonymarzi]

This is so sick and purverted it might actually sell for some good money. http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif
-Tony

------------------
http://www.tonymarzi.com

[MichaelRH]

Tony - I can understand how you and quite possibly many others may not like some of my work. This is simply an expressive drawing, my feeling about the model (and all the models that I have drawn or painted) is that they are beautiful physically, and they all have great personalities. To me, this drawing is also beautiful.

But I also love Picasso's work, all of Mapplelthorpe's work, Schiele's work, and a wide range of artist's work..that many have not liked and do not like. We all have our own reasons for liking or disliking any given painting or drawing.

You are not the first, nor will you be the last to let me know you disapprove. I do appreciate your honest response.

I am not interested in painting (or drawing) pictures that meet anyone elses requirements...I do believe it is important that I continue to (try) and meet my own.
--Michael



[This message has been edited by MichaelRH (edited December 12, 2000).]

[MichaelRH]

Just a few additional thought:

While I was at Art Center, one of classes I had gave me the opportunity to do an extensive research paper on another EXPRESSIVE!!! figure artist.
I learned something about this artist that I hadn't considered until I began to write my paper.
What I learned was important to me, because I had never placed much importance, nor did I have much appreciation for the PROCESS of making art.
I still feel that it is unfortunate that it often takes human beings so long to become really "good" or accomplished at anything. (With a few exceptions)
What I learned about the artist I was researching, was that the sheer enjoyment and activity involved in the process...(the physical process of MAKING his art) was one of, and perhaps THE primary reason he made art. I'm sure he had some thoughts about what the finished piece might look like, but what "felt" right to him...was the physical involvement with the mediums.(ie: moving the clay).
The second (study) of Margarete just felt right to me, moreso than had I done a tedious-mechanical rendering of Margarete, where Margarete might appear more "real", and where more people might approve.
(Painting or drawing "beautiful" pictures is not one of my requirements for making art).
The word "beauty" is simply too subjective.
The artist that I had written my report about, and who I feel loved the process MORE than the finished piece....was Auguste Rodin.
After years of not enjoying the process, I found that there are some drawings and paintings where the process for me feels absolutely right. Re-interpreting my subjects often results in a much "better" outcome than a literal interpretation. (in my opinion)
On that day, during that time while my hand was making the lines and marks to (represent and express my feelings about Margarete)....the second study felt absolutely right. I won't bother trying to explain why the lines felt better going in one direction than another. They just do.
What I learned about Rodin has been VERY important to me. When one expresses feelings and emotions, the outcome is not always, entirely planned. There is a degree of mystery lost in art where all is obvious and everything comes out meeting the artist and viewer's expectations.
For me, a great deal would be lost and certainly the emotion of the moment would be lost if I were to evaluate and pre-plan every mark and brush stroke. I think that kind of process would put me to sleep..honestly).
Viewers can certainly dislike my finished drawings or paintings, (Why am I not surprized..I've come to expect it), but it would be futile for me to argue about whether or not I enjoyed the process or what thoughts and emotions helped direct my hand at the time I made the drawing or painting.
--Michael

[This message has been edited by MichaelRH (edited December 12, 2000).]

[This message has been edited by MichaelRH (edited December 12, 2000).]

[tonymarzi]

That is fine. Although I do not like the style I certainly dont care if you do it. And please dont feel like I was pressuring you to change at all. I believe we all have a right to our opinions and style, good or bad. If you are happy with your work, by all means continue. I feel that art is acomplishing what you want, not what others want.
-Tony

------------------
http://www.tonymarzi.com

[MichaelRH]

Hi Tony -

I understand, and certainly welcome your thoughts. I tend to have several interests, and often find myself going in a couple of directions with regard to the figure...I enjoy the exploration.
I don't seem to have one direction (approach to figurative work) that I'm entirely comfortable with, for example, some things can be expressed better in one way rather than another.
Guess I'll have to cite Picasso as an example of an artist who explored a lot of approaches in order to convey his thoughts and feelings. Some avenues may be easy for the viewer to understand..some may not.
Tony, I suppose if two viewers wanted to buy this drawing (second study of Margarete), and one wanted it because they thought it was beautiful, the other wanted to pay me $5,000.00 for it because they thought it was sick or perverted..I wouldn't have a problem selling it to either one. I might not be seeing what they see.

(Tony, this is really not a rebuttal to your post, as I can understand your point of view) I am only sharing some additional thoughts in this and my last post.

I do heartily agee with your last sentence. Believe me I have my share of "unsuccessful" drawings and paintings! lol All part of the exploration.
Good to see you at Wetcanvas.
--Michael


[This message has been edited by MichaelRH (edited December 12, 2000).]

[tonymarzi]

Well, whatever your comfortable with.
I personnaly like the nudes drawn by Michealangel the best. And i hope to immitate that style(slightly changed though).

I do respect though how you do not loose your head with criticism. I must commend you on that.

-Tony

------------------
http://www.tonymarzi.com

[Danny]

In Many Ways I Agree With Tony . But My Feeling Is To Yourself Be True.So In Some Ways I Disagree. Being A Big Fan Of Picassos I Dont See Anything In This Drawing That Might Remind Me Of Him.Many Look At My Work And Cry Picasso Too. And Even Though I Am A Big Fan Of His I Disagree. I Have My Own Style As I'm Sure You Both Do.At Least Thats What The Experts Say About My Work.I'm True To Myself So If This Is You And What You Represent By All Means Paint It. You Stated Micheal You Didn't Have Any Certain Approch Your Comfortable With.I Guess The Best Advice I Can Give As An Artist Who Has Found His Glitch Is To Find Yours.Keep Working Find The Approch You Really Are Comfortable With.The Only Way You Can Do That Is To Paint Paint Paint.It Will Come.One Of The Greatest Artist Of This Century ,The Late Ancel Nunn ,Who Recieved Awards From The Univerasity Of Texas,The Metrapolitam Museum Of Art,The State Of Texas, The Chicago Museum Of Art ,And Many Others Who Was A Dear Friend Of Mine Once Wrote Me An Inscreption In A Book With His Art.(Danny, Work Diligently And You Will Reap Great Dividends From The Effort Put Forth . Ancel Nunn .) http://www.wetcanvas.com/ubb/smile.gif



[This message has been edited by Danny (edited June 03, 2001).]

[MissMouse]

Looks like me after a few tequila's ....

"MissM"ouse

very original and straight forward I like it.

------------------
Life is too short to be stuck in a box! Open the top and hop out!