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In a world that is caught up with a full technicolor, multimedia, action packed, joystick, fast food mentality… I am amazed at the impact of Black & White art on people.
Black & White creates drama… in the dramatic movie scenes of “Citizen Kane” or “Maltese Falcon”, an Ansel Adams or Alfred Stieglitz photograph, a single white stage light on a melodramatic monologue, a stark Alvin Ailey Dance, or even a rare Black & White Television Commercial. In today’s clutter of color, people still continue to find Black & White refreshing and dynamic.
I use Graphite and Charcoal to explore the value study as a preparation to my color art pieces. There are some of my figure studies, that stand strong on their own stature, without having to carry them on further to a color rendering.
I use a combination of reference photos, graphite sketches and/or quick watercolor renderings to capture as much information; to bring back to the studio.
Quite often, what first attracted me to a human subject, changes when I want to express a mood to communicate to the viewer. I often rely on my friends and family to be my model inspiration.
This enPlein-air sketch of this wonderful woman for “Cedar Street” did show the “streets smarts” which I was looking for in the final studio drawing; but my preliminary-sketch was too soft and feminine. I needed to “harden” her features in the final graphite drawing, to strengthen the “feel” and the viewer response. (Compare this Preliminary-Sketch to the final finished artwork shown in “Works”)
My enPlein-air studies or studio models usually provide me with the stimulus to explore the human condition, circumstance or emotion. Although some of my portraits may look back at the viewer, my character studies tend to be unaware of your presence… as if you had just turned a corner to discover a quiet moment in their life… sharing something private and personal.
I don’t attempt to setup a specific composition, some subjects lend themselves to a formal treatment… like using the classic Divine Proportion of the Golden Rectangle (a natural universal ratio inherent in the physical world… also know as the Golden Mean, the 1:1.618 Magic Ratio and the Fibonacci Series).
Even though I am aware of traditional composition guidelines and traditions, I concentrate on the subject matter or life figure, and let my intuitive observation dictate the balance, rhythm, movement and unity. I have to “feel” my artwork.
“Life is Good” and I feel Blessed !
I often joked about the fact that my Commercial Art paid the mortgage, and my Fine Art paid for the soul.
Now the commercial art world is going to take the “back seat” and I am moving my drawing and painting “up to the front seat” . . . This is definitely a change in my priorities.
Welcome to the update of my fine artwork web pages.
In the past, I have relied on museums, galleries and guilds to promote and sell my artwork. Now, I am taking a hard look at my artwork presence on the internet. That includes this blog !
Oh, I have not been shy about expressing my excitement, motivation and “behind the scenes” development of any artwork that I have created.
I have fun standing in a gallery, with people all around me . . . explaining each image . . . while I enjoy their reaction and feedback.
My dear wife (she is also a joyful artist) . . . has heard all of my stories; over and over and over again !
The problem I face is . . . how to write this blog that will be about those thoughts, ideas, experiments, surprises and struggles that artwork brings to our lives . . . and to help you understand my heart and enthusiasm that I want to share with you.
So, if you are patient . . . I will slowly upload some of my artwork that have “noteworthy” anecdotes or information that I can add to this blog. Smiles, DW
Please add you name to E-mail list (even collectors and artists that have been on my previous websites, update your current E-mail) . . . and please give me your response to the blog updates.
You can also write a note to me - see the “CONTACT DW” tab at the top of this web page.
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download click HERE.
David Walker, Feature Artist at Lakes and Valleys Art Guild.
This artwork was created only by the grace of God and by the vision of my dad.
Approximately five years before my dad passed away, I stopped by his house
to visit. He quietly had me sit down in his office, to explain in detail; a dream
that he had received when the Lord woke him up in the very early morning.
In this dream, he saw Jesus laying back on the cross, with His arm stretched
out toward my dad, moments before the nail was driven into his hand.
“There was no pain . . . there was no fear . . . there was no blood.
It was just a vision of Jesus looking back at him across his arm . . .
with compassion, love and forgiveness in the Lord’s eyes.”
My dad asked me if I could draw this vision, as the Lord had given him.
I told my dad that I could not portray a picture of Jesus Christ;
as I did not think that I could do the artwork any honor and justice.
So I said “No”.
Years later, right before my dad passed away, I told him that I would
try to figure out a way to draw this dream that the Lord had given him.
My dad passed away in 2004 and I truly had no idea if I could resolve the
struggle in my own heart and my own mind, to complete this work of art.
It took the support of my wife and my Band of Brothers to
encourage me to finish the piece in time for a gallery art show . . .
I was to be the Feature Artist, Winter 2020.
Three weeks before the Gallery Opening Reception, I completed this drawing.
For more than a decade I have been working out the composition in my mind.
I am just one step closer to resolving my dad’s dream !
Just trying to explain the significant impact of this picture . . .
still causes my eyes to water; and I still feel the tears welling up inside of me.
Now that I have been able to repeat the “back story” many times . . .
It has gotten easier every time I explain how this picture came to be.
I want to thank my Lord and Savior, my dear wife and the
prayerful support of my Band of Brothers. " – David Walker
www.davidwalkerart.com
"Bringing Me Home Again" – Archival Gicleé of Original Art Colored Pencil 2008
Dedicated to all the wives, sisters, girlfriends, Moms, friends, family and loved ones.
Away from home or on deployment . . . when the mail bag arrives . . .
You wait for those rare occasions for that letter from someone special . . . To reach the center of your heart.
Just reading a small snippet of news . . .
Let’s you temporarily leave where you are right now . . .
And bring you home again.
The first time the artwork was shown at the Lancaster Art Museum (LMAG/MOAH) . . .
It received “2nd Place” and “Peoples Choice” Award.
Several big burly veterans, all in their bike leathers, came up to me with tears in their eyes to just thank me for understanding.
They knew I was a Vet, and they had the honest freedom to express their sincere emotion, that was buried deep inside them.
That was not the last time that I have had a fellow Vet react to this artwork.
It has a special place in my heart ! DW
"Farmer's Pride" – Archival Gicleé of Original Art Colored Pencil 2008
Dedicated to all of the Moms, Dads and family who have had to drape the flag over their son or daughter.
Also, it is dedicated to everyone that knows how precious this nation is compared to every other country on this planet.
I do not have to tell you . . . Freedom is not Free.
As an American . . . The Flag is not just a symbol . . .
It is all of us ! DW
The City of Santa Clarita’s Arts and Events Office, and the City of Santa Clarita’s Arts Commission hosted an art show “The Stars and Stripes Imagined” in 2017.
Farmer's Pride was featured in that show, as well as other museum, local and regional art shows.
