Neo Deco 18-10-23 (Cubist Study after Lauren Alb, Drawing, Pencil/Colored Pencil on Paper, 2023

Corné Akkers  

The Return of Lauren Ce graphite drawing 'Neo-Deco – 18-10-23' is a return to timeless art deco motifs. Initially, I had planned to draw more landscapes and I will certainly stick to my intentions. It is just that sometimes you come across one of these motifs that is too impressive to ignore. You get the impression that you cannot get it out of your head. That is what happened with a superb photo of Lauren Albin Guillot. It is not the first time however. Last year, I also used one of her photos for a drawing. What is there with these photos from the 1930s? I have already told you about their magnificent tonal schemes. I generally consider black and white photos more charming. However, in the photo in question from 1935, we see that she also has a keen eye for abstract composition. A little guilty for choosing this kind of motif, I always feel considerably guilty. Certainly, the photos are not mine and I can only pay tribute to the original photographer. The only thing I can do is add value to it, something new. The foreground was to incorporate ambiguous images that I saw directly. There was a dolphin in the reflection. Well, not this time. It would have only spoiled a perfectly balanced scene. No shame in changing one's mind on a whim however. Hard linear structures Instead, I chose to incorporate hard linear structures that run along the contour of the model's body. Furthermore, I also increased the white space in the overall representation. This way, I created more vibration in the negative space than what is shown in the reference photo. The body did not need much abstraction. Only contrasts between round and straight shapes. That being said, the glory returns to Lauren for the most part. As an artist, one always stands on the shoulders of someone. Return to landscapes Return to landscapes and urban landscapes although I continue to expand my Neo-Deco series over time. Those that you can sketch outside or at home with a reference photo taken on site. One day, I hope my art will generate enough income to have a big house. Then I will be able to create these kinds of scenes that Lauren staged. There is little space in my apartment to do that. Graphite pencil (Faber Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencil 14B) drawing on Bristol paper Talens (21 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm) Artist : Cornè Akkers :: Drawing :: Art Deco/Art Nouveau :: This piece is accompanied by an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to hang : No :: Signed : Yes :: Signature location : Upper left corner :: Paper : Portrait :: Original : Yes :: Framed : No