Saturday, March 12, 2011

The Art Spirit…

“The Art Spirit”* is a remarkable book that sets down the essential beliefs and theories of Robert Henri (1865-1929), an inspired teacher and painter.  There is no other book quite like it.  It comprises of random notes that he made for his students, and you can be dip into the contents at random.  

Following today’s life-class, this quote on working from the nude is relevant.

There is nothing in all the world more beautiful or significant of the laws of the universe than the nude human body.  In fact it is not only among the artists but among all people that a greater appreciation and respect for the human body should develop.  When we respect the nude we will no longer have any shame about it.

For the nude the artist is dependent on the model.  All credit to Denise for modelling today’s session despite excruciating hip pain.  I have dipped into a past portfolio for the ink drawing below  

*The Art Spirit is published in paperback by Harper Row, New York.

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