Some years ago the venerable master, Chuck Close, made a series of drawings and prints using scribbles with a limited number of colors to create
self portraits. To own one of these original scribbles would require a significant portion of my net worth! Why? Because when you own a Close original you own a part of his practice - his oeuvre. Also, quite frankly, he can get it.
I made this drawing using only four colors of pencils: cyan, magenta, yellow and black. I drew it using the same curly-q doodles featured in earlier posts. In doing this drawing I am investigating...
1. the monetary value of art and its relationship to creator vs. creation. Though my drawing is more detailed than Close's, it is not nearly as valuable - because it isn't by Close.
2. the role of appropriation in contemporary art. Often appropriation serves to comment on or otherwise subvert ideas in contemporary art.
3. the CMYK process in contemporary printing.
4. the artist (human) emulating the machine, as I am doing when I use the CMYK process.
So while this is a drawing of Chuck Close, it isn't a Chuck Close drawing.
"This IS - ISN'T a Chuck Close Drawing", 2009, 22.5" x 19.5", colored pencil on paper on foamcore
The tension between abstract and figurative art has been ongoing for over half a century. This painting exploits that tension. Both the brightly colored stripes and the black and white face vie for dominance. The girl's eyes engage the viewer and yet remain out of reach.
We have all, because of poor judgment, found ourselves in regrettable situations from which we wish we could escape with the same ease as exiting a computer program. Unfortunately, real life does not afford the same options as the virtual world.
This painting is one of a series of montages comprised of different, seemingly non-associated, images. Sometimes the images are subdued in double exposure (try to find the smile of a young maiden and salute of a soldier to a fallen comrade) and other times up front and rendered in different styles. When I make these paintings, there is no set plan. I contemplate the work and add images as seems fit. When completed, a story emerges and, in turn, a title.
Well, 2010 ended up with little production of art. Other "little foxes" in my vineyard have been quite the distraction. I did manage to produce this 40" x 80" oil on canvas painting for our billiard room. Those of you old enough, will recognize Jackie Gleason and Paul Newman. This movie is credited with generating renewed interest in billiards during the '60's. This was done with palette knives - no brushes. 
Some years ago the venerable master, Chuck Close, made a series of drawings and prints using scribbles with a limited number of colors to create self portraits. To own one of these original scribbles would require a significant portion of my net worth! Why? Because when you own a Close original you own a part of his practice - his oeuvre. Also, quite frankly, he can get it.
