Sunday, September 11, 2011

Trollfish

# 6 - Draw a Well Loved Object or Childhood Toy
#211 - Draw or Paint an Object "In the Style of" an Old Master or Notable Painter

I recently followed a thread on the Every Day Matters list which asked where inspiration might come from. I didn't jump in then because I wasn't feeling very inspired at the time. Tonight, however, I seem to have successfully courted the muse, and now I wish to share my process. How did the idea for this particular illustration come about?

The train of thought began awhile ago, when I became obsessed with the idea of atelier classes. Suddenly I decided it wasn't good enough to procrastinate on the completion of my own paintings in my own style -- I wanted to sign up for intense training in sight line drawing and various obsolete oil glazing techniques, so that I could never quite get around to finishing paintings that looked more like those of the masters. To this end, I called for information on an ongoing atelier workshop, and learned that the next session would focus on the style of Gustav Klimt.

Being an insecure sort, I rushed out to buy a Klimt coffee table book so that I could bone up on his style ahead of time. Then two things happened: first, I read enough about the artist's personal life that I became disillusioned with the man himself, and second, I talked myself out of taking the workshop, supposedly because I disapproved of the way he expected his sister-in-law to take care of all his domestic needs, and allowed his studio models to bear his progeny without benefit of marriage. The cur! (OK, you probably have figured out by now that the real reason I didn't show up for the workshop was because, well, I'm an insecure sort.)

I did fall in love (again) with the painting "Goldfish", and at one point I gessoed an elongated scrap of plyboard with the intention of someday creating a derivative piece. I meant to use my figure drawing CD program for reference, but my studio monitor went dead. Then my eyes stumbled across these lovelies (I'm keeping them around for a future art doll project) and suddenly it hit me - who needs naked women when you have naked trolls? Whence cometh my inspiration, ta-da...
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12 comments:

Lynn said...

Naked trolls! I have one of my own, and it looks exactly like that. Welcome back!

Unknown said...

Oh man...I LOVE this! And I love troll dolls! What a great idea!

Clare said...

Sensational 'klimpt/ish' troll!

jenna said...

This is funny, because before I even read the text content of your post, I looked at the image, and thought, "Oh my, it's as if Klimt painted some trolls or somethin'" And in fact, you were referencing Klimt :)

This is really well done, and funny, too. I love the juxtaposition of a master and those funny little trolls.

Dan Kent said...

I really like this! It's very creative, and it is a wonderful unique composition. You definitely channeled Klimt (the art part of him). I am glad you and the blog have reconciled.

Sandra said...

Delightful take off on the Klimt painting. Guess you figured out that he wore those loose garments for his pleasure. Bum. Keep your sense of humor and let's see more drawings!

meegan said...

It's brilliant, it's the coolest painting.

Yes, Klimt's work is beautiful but it can be disappointing to read about the lives of artists that have come and gone, it can be a real let down. Better just to enjoy their paintings.

Cathy Holtom said...

This is so clever and creative, I love it!

Angelica said...

So good to see your post! and your art!! I've missed it.

pedalpower said...

Christie, this is perfect. You were inspired and completely took it your own direction. Klimt-ish, but also all Christie...lots of humor.

I feel the same way when I read about artists. I'm so disappointed sometimes, but then I try to think of them the way I do some politicians....sometimes the most brilliant are not people I'd want to be friends with.

I'm glad you are posting again. I always enjoy seeing what you are up to!

Ann said...

Nice to see you posting again! I LOVE this painting!

Alex said...

Fantastic composition =) Yeah I remember those trolls...I didn't know what's so cool about them but they were so cool! So is your drawing