artist's journal by peter dickison

Study for the Source

Pierred — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 04:20:57 +0000

This drawing is small and was conceived originally as a sort of Arcadian Shepherds idea, then thought of as potential for Orfeus and Eurydice. I have painted two canvases after this theme, done on a vertical format, titled “The Source.” The source of water is literally the source of life, and from the eternal spring comes love, renewal, life and hope.

Study for The Source (et in Arcadia Ego)

Portrait of L

Pierred — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 00:58:02 +0000

This was done quickly in last night’s portrait class.

Portrait of L, oil on panel

Couple

Pierred — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 01:26:19 +0000

Couple by a Ledge

This is an idea that I worked up in a quick sketch recently, and it has stuck with me. This 18×24 inch drawing works it out more, and on a vertical. The first sketch was a horizontal. It suggests a number of things to me including Venus and Adonis. But it is perhaps any couple in love, seeking the quiet sanctuary of a wooded place beneath a ledge outcropping. There may be a hint of apprehension in the eyes of the pair. Could it be Orpheus and Eurydice? Is there a serpent on the right that she is just at this moment noticing? The drawing is still quite open to different conclusions.

Woman and Her Dog

Pierred — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 05:52:52 +0000

Woman and Chihuahua

In Portrait with a Hat tonight we had a model who posed with her pet Chihuahua named Zootsie. The model wore a fox stole around her neck- no hat- and the dog had a fur stole as well. I did not have my paint box but one of the students said I should be working on this, too. So I rummaged up paper and charcoal and did this 18×24 sketch.

Two more versions of Europa and the Bull- 2/2

Pierred — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:10:11 +0000

: The Abduction of Europa

This is the second version mentioned below of Europa and the Bull. Here is a more dramatic version; Europa is taken against her will. She looks back to land where her companions are and half waves her free arm for help. A distant boat sails away, too far in the distance to see her plight.

The subject has an erotic charge, the horns of the bull representing both a mortal danger to her and symbolic of the threat to her chastity. Whether this version or the previous is more suggestive is perhaps a matter of opinion. Either way, Europa is on the crest both of the waters Zeus is stealing her across and of a different destiny than the one she knew a moment ago.

Two new versions of Europa and the Bull- 1/2

Pierred — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:09:16 +0000

: Europa and the Bull

I have moved on to charcoal on approx 20×25 inches ingres drawing paper for the Europa series. I like the laid texture of this paper, and I use either Canson or Fabriano. I always use vine charcoal.

I am trying both a passive Europa here, and another version with a more dramatic, terrified Europa. This shows a rather gentle bull with her hand almost caressing the bull’s head. Of course the bull is actually Zeus, so his less ferocious appearance can be explained by this fact.

Abduction of Europa

Pierred — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 21:13:03 +0000

Europa and the Bull (graphite, 29x20 cm)

This sketch is another narrative I am working with. It is the Abduction of Europa, or Europa and the Bull, or the Rape of Europa from ancient Greek Mythology. Zeus deceives Europa by transforming himself into a white bull for the purpose of seducing her. Europa trusts him and climbs on his back for a ride. He seizes his opportunity, runs to the sea and swims with her to the Island of Crete.

I revisited one of the greatest paintings by Titian based on this story at Boston’s Gardner Museum recently.

The Narrative of Perseus

Pierred — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 03:32:52 +0000

Perseus (12x18cm, graphite)

Perseus is shown in a sketch with his winged sandals, curved sword, helmet and shield, as he prepares to slay the sea creature Ceto, thereby rescuing Andromeda from her terrifying plight. I recently executed a small painting of the subject, which has been exhibited at my gallery.

Themes for paintings: Susanna and the Elders.

Pierred — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:44:19 +0000

Susanna and the Elders. (25x19 cm, charcoal)

Susanna at her bath, realizes she has unwelcome company.

This is another theme which I have painted in the past year. I have a new version in process.

Themes for paintings: Orpheus and Eurydice

Pierred — Sat, 02 Jan 2010 14:39:51 +0000

Orfeus' last glimpse of Eurydice. (24x19 cm, charcoal)

Orpheus has brought Eurydice back from death with his singing and lute-playing. Doubting that Eurydice is still following, he looks back and she sinks back to the underworld forever.

This theme is one of a group I am painting in oil, to be exhibited in summer 2010.