27 January, 2010

Becoming Better

Intent, After Degas
@ 7" x 5"
Charcoal & Pastel
Casey Klahn


Degas Figures

One way for me to become a better artist is to study and copy master works. I am more interested in Degas' figures every time I look at them. When I copy them, I get a sense of his real mastery of the human form. He challenges me to get the stance and the attitude right. Above is a master study from a Degas painting. The photo, again, is from my point and shoot. I will provide a better photo when time allows.


This is the second one of these I have done copying Degas, and I noticed that he likes a dark area above the head. I am trying to see if it works for me, and I wonder if that element has more depth in real life versus the jpeg or book photo that I have.

Goals

The intent of my next few posts about reviewing my goals will not be to dissect each artist's trait one by one. See this reference for this thread. I just want to think about the words and see where to go next. Maybe some of these will remain on my list, but m
y new list will contain other traits I am thinking about. I aspire to improve my art, first and foremost. Are there some attitudes and behaviors that may help me grow as an artist?

Stay tuned, colorist readers. Speaking of reading The Colorist, I have made a little badge for those bloggers who want to brag about
this (see below). I don't anticipate that artist bloggers will post this, since they have links to me already. But, my friends in other blog genres may like to post this handsome bling on their blogs - it's already sized to fit. Thanks!


6 comments:

Anita Stoll said...

For me getting out of my comfort zone is a struggle at times. If I am to learn and grow it is essential. Working on my Mud Pie project is helping me to stretch. I actually can't wait to see what I'll learn next. Your work excites me.

Unknown said...

Copying the masters is a great way to learn, and a time-honored practice. Degas is a wonderful choice. On another note ... I like your icon and will post it on the sidebar of my blog.

Mary Paquet said...

Casey, good piece of work. I like how you've created a process for improving your art.

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

You are generous to share your thoughtful approach to goal setting and directing your art journey.

Alexander Bujak said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Casey Klahn said...

Anita, Kathy, Mary, Katherine and Alexander. Thanks for reading this post.

Being generous with info is one thing, but in my traits posts I was thinking of the openness of heart one can have when making one's art. Think VVG.

Abstract Expressionism, Art Criticism, Artists, Colorist Art, Drawing, History, Impressionism, Modern Art, Painting, Pastel, Post Impressionism