Book Jackets
An Artist Teaches: Reflections on the Art of Painting
Copy written by Denise M. Spranger
Internationally recognized as a “20th Century Old Master,” David Leffel illuminates his paintings with a light that seems to fall from deepest memory. Yet while the figures of 17th Century Dutch Masters—most notably Rembrandt—cast powerful shadows on Leffel’s work, it is not only the shades of history, but the artist’s immediacy, that awaken us to brilliance. Perhaps in this way more than any other, David Leffel proves himself a true master of chiaroscuro—not only with shadow and light, but with past and present. In An Artist Teaches: Reflections on the Art of Painting, we discover the revolutionary approach that Leffel brings to the classical tradition of painting.
In a departure from the conventional emphasis on technique, Leffel stresses the “visual concept” that must first exist in the painter’s mind. It is upon this singular concept, Leffel argues, that the structure and framework of the painting depend, and without which the elements of technique cannot achieve their most profound qualities. Building upon the cornerstone of this abstract visual concept, David Leffel explores the methods that allow the painter to give expression to that essential idea. From a discussion of composition, brushstroke, value, edges and color, the artist leads us through the “sculpting” of three-dimensional life upon a flat canvas. Leffel also suggests how the painter may approach the unique challenges of portraiture, landscape, still life and backgrounds. Yet beyond this welcome and pragmatic advice, Leffel reminds us that only by remaining faithful to our visual concept may our efforts truly succeed.
Throughout a career spanning four decades, Leffel has indeed remained faithful to his own visual concepts. It is that fidelity, in fact, which condemns complacency. Though one might suppose that a mastery of technique would make easy work of painting, Leffel assures us that with each canvas he confronts fresh challenges to the realization of his vision. And in those challenges, he tells us, lies the real art of painting—and its joy. Whether we strive to attain greater fulfillment as students of art, or merely seek a deeper understanding of the creative force and its process, An Artist Teaches inspires us to evolve. Abounding with color plates of David Leffel’s recent work—most of which are reproduced here for the first time—this volume also offers the opportunity to enjoy the unparalleled accomplishments of a 20th century master.
Those who have studied David Leffel’s art and teachings, as well as those who are newly discovering them, cannot fail to rejoice in the light which emanates from his brush. Leffel’s reflections, we find, are no less illuminating.
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An Artist Teaches: Reflections on the Art of Painting
The Language of Drawing from an Artist's Point of View
Copy written by Denise M. Spranger
Respected as the cornerstone of both painting and sculpture by the Old Masters, the study of drawing remains the enduring foundation of the visual arts. Yet as contemporary students explore this fundamental form with renewed interest, they face a profound dilemma. Overwhelmed by their efforts to master the disciplines of proportion, perspective and anatomy, students often find that long hours of intensive study produce works devoid of life—and thereby their essential meaning. Without vitality, drawing’s true expression dies. And what remains are the echoes of a forgotten language.
In The Language of Drawing from an Artist’s Point of View, renowned draughtsman and painter Sherrie McGraw breathes new life into this exquisite language. With refreshing insight, McGraw inspires us to understand what we see. We learn to refine our vision—to penetrate the “smoke screens” which distract us from structural truth. Only through this heightened sense of observation, she reveals, can we comprehend the planes, dimensions, forms and light of the world around us. McGraw challenges us to meet that world with an artist’s courage—at once demanding a bold immediacy and the spirited enthusiasm of a child. She assures us that as we abandon our fears, we discover the full potency of our joyful response. Thus armed with only pad, pencil and a perceptive eye, we capture stone and flesh, feathers and skin, air and movement of form.
To enrich our understanding and deepen our enjoyment, McGraw shares with us some of the finest achievements in the art of drawing. Represented in an abundance of color plates, we find works by such masters as Rembrandt, Michelangelo, Van Dyke Pontormeu and Holbein. Resonating with the strength of these influences are the distinctive works of McGraw herself. In the elegant power of her line, McGraw’s teachings are given sublime voice.
Throughout her twenty five years of teaching, McGraw has captivated students with the passion of her vision and the singular integrity of her approach. In The Language of Drawing, McGraw invites us to converse with the world in a language universal in its eloquence. Whether we are novices or experienced draughtsmen, we cannot resist her summons. Our answer is a “joyful response.”
Learn more about the book:
The Language of Drawing from an Artist's Point of View