Friday, January 22, 2010

Woods in Winter II

This is a 12x12 pastel version of the previous drawing. A while back when I was looking at the landscapes of Gustav Klimt, it seems that about every landscape painting he did was square. They were large, but square.

On a related topic, recently I encountered the idea that landscape derives from the body, as in painting landscapes is a subconscious way of painting the body. A writer on Richard Diebenkorn suggested this about his paintings where you can actually see the transition. Klimt, if you are familiar with his non-landscape work, is another great example, though in his case he moves directly from the body to landscape. I found the idea again in another book, Painting as an Art by Richard Wollheim, in the section where he talks about the great Thomas Jones. I will have more to write about this in the future (I have to read the book!). Thomas Jones, by the way, was a genius for about a year or so, 1782-83, when he painted the most beautiful, small cityscapes of Rome, from his rooftop. He was one of the first plein air painters.

Don't ask me what painting winter landscapes has to do with the body.

2 comments:

Casey Klahn said...

Very remarkable, Bob. Your use of space, and the clear shapes are really great.

I have enjoyed all of your winter work.

Bob Lafond said...

Casey, Thank you. I like your portrait photo.

Bob