Finding the Lines

Drawings record what I see, but each is constructed differently based on what it's for.

Sometimes I sketch because I'm inspired by my surroundings, like this top pic from a museum visit.  Other times I'm putting down underlying forms for a painting, like the portrait on the bottom.

To begin any painting, first I draw, my favorite part.  The work is fast and energized, filled with the thrill of discovering new forms.

When it comes time to paint, I try to hold on to the energy and intention of the charcoal lines. I know that I'll lose that first raw impression that is in the drawing, but hope that in exchange my subject will gain a more solid presence.

Banaglia's Crouching lion, oil on linen, 30"x30"

Banaglia's Crouching lion, oil on linen, 30"x30"

Sometimes I take the image so far with charcoal that paint is not going to add anything.

Carpeaux's Count Ugolino and Sons, charcoal on canvas, 70"x46"

Then I stop, deciding what I've got is a drawing.

Keith, charcoal on canvas, 9"x9", private collection Stamford Ct

I feel a kind of intimate understanding with the things I've drawn, a result of hours of close looking. I get a similar feeling when I look at another artists' drawing, as though I were seeing through their eyes, creating the marks alongside them, and understanding the subject in a new way. It's thrilling too, to see a drawing made by someone new to the skill, feeling their way to putting on paper what they see, and creating something that bears a trace of them.

As I write this my heart is lifting as people around the world show up to demand racial justice. Clearly, there is much work to be done. Please consider giving to an organization that supports racial healing and justice, or criminal justice reform.A few ideas:

The Sentencing Project works towards criminal justice reform and a fair system.

My local food bank (or yours!) - assists with food insecurity.

Children's Defense Fund helps every child thrive and reach their full potential.

Campaign Zero - working to end police violence in America.

Black Lives Matter - working to bring justice, healing, and freedom to Black people across the globe.

All the best,
Alissa