31 January, 2011

Drawing Mary

First published November, 2009.

Mary Cassatt, After Degas - detail
@ 32" x 26"
Charcoal
Casey Klahn

At the Easel

I like studying the master works of artists like Edgar Degas. This work is a copy of his well known Portrait of Mary Cassatt.


10 comments:

Rose Welty said...

Nicely done Casey. They are two of my favorites - I always learn alot from copying their drawings.

She really hated that portrait - felt that Degas made her look ungainly. I don't agree, but she didn't really like disagreement!

Sonya Johnson said...

Wonderful rendition of Degas' portrait, Casey, and a good argument for working in charcoal.

Exploring portrait and figurative work [also via copying master's works] is next on my "to-do" list, so I really appreciate you sharing your efforts here - they are inspiring on their own.

Love the easel shot, BTW. Curious - what surface did you use for this?

Celeste Bergin said...

What a wonderful job you did of this....(!) and I really love your portrait "with" Mary Cassatt! I love spending time with the Masters....This is exceptional!

Casey Klahn said...

That's funny, Rose! I wouldn't say "ungainly." Maybe it had a nuanced difference back then. I see her as slight, maybe winnow-y. Her severe side shows through, though, huh?

I think MC's works in the genre that are most like Degas are my favorites.

Thanks, Sonya. This is on Rives BFK heavyweight. I bought a ream of 100 sheets, in the full sheet size.

Hey, Celeste! This one reminds me of your genre when you paint period people, esp. ladies. I am glad you like this!

Katherine van Schoonhoven said...

Nice! It looks like she's imploring you to please do more. I hope you do! Kvan

P.S. I remember when you FIRST posted this. Good to be a long-term fan of yours, Casey!

Anonymous said...

Hi Casey, Charcoal drawings are so special and this one is done wonderfully well! I like the poetry of the line and the understated tone; sublime!

Astrid Volquardsen said...

Hi Casey,you captured her gesture so well!
Wouldn't you love to do a time travel and listen to a conversation they both must have had about pastels? (of course we need some device like a time travel translater, because my French isn't good enough! :-)

Casey Klahn said...

Asti, ni le mien. Merci.

Peggy, thank you for the kind comment. I do like the line when I use charcoal.

Hi, Kvan! I will do more, on your suggestion. Only today, I am hanging drywall in my studio.

Jala Pfaff said...

Cool, and I love the surreal-looking photo of you + the woman in the drawing.

Casey Klahn said...

Hi, Jala! I'm mugging for the camera again.

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