Matisse with chalk drawing of Picasso- Brassai Photo
There was an article the other day on Brain Pickings that contained some words on inspiration and creativity that Pablo Picasso had passed on to famed photographer Brassai during the many times that he had photographed and interviewed the artist over the course of thirty years. It’s a short article with only a few points and, more importantly, a link to an earlier article concerning Picasso’s views on success . Both are interesting articles that I recommend but what caught my eye was a photo accompanying the first article of Henri Matisse with a chalk drawing he had done while blindfolded.
It reminded me of an exercise I periodically use where I attempt to draw faces with my eyes tightly closed. It usually involves a single line and is pretty rudimentary. The whole idea is to be able to visualize an image in your mind and follow it there with your hand, overcoming the disconnect that comes with the closed eyes. There are moments when the concentration kicks in and I can feel my hand and the image in a sort of harmony. It’s a nice little brain exercise.
Seeing the Matisse photo made me want to get a chalkboard and try this exercise on a larger scale, where the sweeping motion of the arm and hand might be easier to synchronize with the mind’s image than with the smaller strokes of pen on paper such as those below, done on old newsprint with a ballpoint pen. They are certainly nothing to celebrate but what I am looking for is a certainty in line and curve as well as a similarity to my own eyes-open doodles. In that aspect, I am pleased.
Give it a try. It’s a nice little exercise for your mind…
This one below was done slightly larger and with a few minutes of practice. Both the size and practice improve the image.
Th
Redtree Times 