EL GRECO: GESTURES IN FINISHED WORKS

El Greco is one of my favorite artist mostly due to the gesture-like qualities in his art. Not only was he an incredible painter, his pieces have such a great sense of understanding movement and contortions in the human body, often distorting the limbs of subjects in his work.

Here are some examples of his work:


"Opening Of The Fifth Seal" (top).
 1608-1614
Oil on Canvas

This painting greatly influenced Pablo Picasso's "Les Demoiselles d'Avignon" (below).

"The Virgin Of The Immaculate Conception"
1608-1613
Oil on canvas

"The Resurrection"
1595-1600
Oil on canvas

This painting would eventually be the inspiration point of one of my own works, "Resurrection" (below).

 

Next week, we'll look at various works during the Renaissance, Mannerism and Baroque eras. These periods in art history stressed the importance of understanding movement and emphasized the gestalt qualities of the human body.

Stay golden!

RESPONSE PROMPT: GESTURES AT HOME

While idling along the web, I came across a website that provides users with an interactive figure drawing session:

http://artists.pixelovely.com/practice-tools/figure-drawing/

I ask that you complete a 30-minute drawing assignment on this site and bring your sketches to class a week from today. Use these settings:

1. COVER AND CLOTHING: Use "decent" models.
Although I would prefer for you to learn from nude models, I'd rather not see you get in trouble at home.

INCLUDE: Both genders.


2. WHAT KIND OF SESSION: Class mode. Time per model will increase as the activity goes on, leading up to a single 11-minute pose for those of you who prefer extended, detailed drawing  :D


3. HOW LONG A CLASS: 30-minute trainer.

Have fun!

VIDEO: 1-MINUTE GESTURE

Here's a great video of a quick one minute gesture drawing. Enjoy :D

RESPONSE PROMPT: TASTEFULLY NAKED

     One of my former art instructors once told me that being nude "is nothing more than being tastefully naked."
     That being said, I've received a bunch of questions on why the majority of gesture drawings are overwhelmingly depicting nude subjects.
     Why do you personally think that gestures primarily depict figures unclothed? Post your answers* in the comments below.





*Your answer should be what YOU think is the reason. No Googling >:D

GESTURES IN DIFFERENT MATERIALS

     In class, we often draw our gestures with vine charcoal. I believe that the softness and unpredictability of this type of charcoal reflects the curves of life seen on the subject and forces users to draw without "restraint" (A regular pencil often encourages emerging artists to draw in unnecessary details in gesture drawings).
     However, once comfortable with gesture drawings and drawing in general, you can try different mediums. From more compressed charcoal to ball-point pens, there's no end to the number of materials one can use in their gesture drawings. Here's a few examples I found while scouring the web:

Compressed charcoal~

Ball-point pens. It's a love/hate-relationship with pens among artists~

Paint. Liquid-like mediums allows the artists to better reflects movements of the human body~

 

Here's one I did using different mediums and paper. The results can be fun~

GESTALT

Here's a great explanation of what GESTALT is and its importance in gesture drawings. To sum it up, gestalt is the essence and overall form of the subject, something that we're always striving for in our works!

Thanks to StudioH!

WELCOME!

Welcome to Gesture Drawings: Exploring Action and Emotion Through Lines!

This blog will be dedicated to exploring historical applications on gesture drawings as well as more contemporary uses. I will often post samples and even tutorials on these magnificent sketches as I stumble upon them while exploring the web.

So, what is a gesture drawing and why do they matter?

     A gesture drawing  is a quick sketch, usually lasting no longer than a minute, on living figures (people, plants, animals). These sketches aim to capture the movement and action that the subject presents to the artist in as little time as possible.
     Emerging artists often ask, " Why spend so little time on a drawing?" Many beginners often draw single works of art for extended periods of time, and although many of them show the dedication and patience to develop as great artists, their finished pieces usually appear static. I believe teaching artists gesture drawings early on is important, as it solves many of the hurdles that often discourage them from continuing to draw.
     Emerging artists usually become frustrated with "the lack of life" in their works. By drawing quick poses of humans in 10 to 30 second intervals, it forces them to draw fast and accurate while at the same time teaching them to respect the movement and juxtaposition of the subjects' limbs. Drawing fast switches these students to draw with more "emotion" and life, which is projected on their art as well.
     To sum it up, gesture drawings are the beginning of developing life and gestalt in one's work! Who doesn't want their drawings of people to be as animated and action-like as possible?

   
     As you begin your journey as an artist, always remember the importance of these little scribbles. Until next time!