Keeping it Sketchy

This pastel drawing ‘Model Session – 18-11-25-2’ shows our life model in reclined position. Fortunately I managed to keep it sketchy again. Why is that important, you would like to ask? Well, when your skills progress over time the artist’s inclination is to do more because you can. However, less is more mostly, so when do you stop? There it is: I threw it at your feet to ponder. Let it sink in for a while, especially the not-so-savvy art lovers. It’s a phenomenon many of my students struggle with and I recognize that all too well. I’m the anecdotal kind of guy who can fine-detail something like Jan van Eyck could. Even in recent times I elaborated model sketches back in my studio. Surely to ‘rescue’ them for not being to my liking at all after a one hour session. This one became a lucky exception.

The Definition of a Good Artwork

So what’s the essence of a good artwork? Perhaps, a definition could be: when everything that needs to be depicted is realized in the image. Look at the rather grainy facial features. I didn’t think it needed more elaboration. Just keep them as they are because when elaborated they would have become too important. The first session felt a bit similar even though I adjusted the hat back home a bit. This one I thought to be perfect in its essence. Hmm, a small confession to make. Back home I rubbed out the sheet structures with a stump a bit because they looked to grainy. Because of this quality it would attrack too much tonal tension. You see my problem now? One thing can easily lead to another thing to adjust. Before you know it you will end up with a realist drawing once more. Additio ad absurdum!

Pastel drawing on Hahnemühle Dürer Ingres-Bütten Night Blue paper (48 x 62,5 x 0.1 cm)

Artist: Corné Akkers

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