Thursday, January 31, 2013

'Lithe' Series - New Figurative Works

After going back to life drawing classes since moving to NYC, I have become completely fascinated by the human form. It is one thing to sketch in the privacy of my studio, or in my sketchbook while sitting on a train or draw studiously at class but taking the bold step of moving from completely abstract paintings to abstract figurative paintings has been a leap of faith in myself. And I love it! Here is 'Lithe #5'. Visit my website to see the rest of the series. www.eleanorrahim.com


Pin It Now!

Exhibition at Spacewomb

As you can imagine, I rather like this photo. An onlooker at a recent exhibition at Spacewomb Gallery seems lost in thought while viewing my painting. He stared long enough for me to fumble about with my iPhone and capture this shot. I hope he doesn't mind me posting this photo!




Pin It Now!

Gesture Sketches

I used to hate having to do fast one and two minute gesture sketches but now I really enjoy them. Firstly, the models can do interesting poses where they twist and stretch their bodies as they don't have to hold the pose for long. As an artist, it is a way of capturing the main proportions of the body and dynamic expression without worrying about detail. I captured the gestures below of a dancer who came to my studio. It made a really nice change to have a personal model as I usually do this sort of thing at life drawing venues around town.


Pin It Now!

The Studio 'Washing Line'

Hanging from wires on a wall of my studio are lots of scribbles and sketches, color swatches and abstract snippets taken from discarded pieces of art. I ponder them over cups of tea and develop ideas for future finished paintings. I particularly like these three small ink drawings. I didn't plan them as a set but I think I'll frame them together.


Pin It Now!

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Culture Shock 1913

I'm a news junkie and if I'm not listening to music while I work, I am listening to WNYC. I laugh, get angry, roll my eyes and sometimes scold the presenters or their guests in the solitude of my studio in Queens. But mostly, I need the station and it's terrific presenters and programs. One such program that I heartily recommend is Culture Shock 1913 presented by Sara Fishko. It's an hour long show about the Modernist movement interweaving art, design, psychoanalysis, music and poetry.


A painting featured in the program is Marcel Duchamp's Nude Descending a Staircase, No.2 painted in 1912. I love this painting but I cannot really explain why. Maybe it's something to do with the movement so beautifully captured on canvas. So mysterious, abstract and yet very definitely figurative. It's hard to believe that such a painting was scandalous when it was presented at the Armory Show in 1913.



Pin It Now!

A Spring in my Step in 2013

I can't quite believe it's 2013 already. I've been to London and back and had a little rest over the holidays. Now I'm back in top gear and ready to work, be productive, learn new techniques at classes and have a year I can be proud of! After time off from the Society of Illustrators, I was really happy to be back among familiar faces last night, enjoying the atmosphere, models and musicians at the regular Sketch Night sessions. Gosh, I LOVE New York City! Here's a twenty minute sketch using pigmented ink.


Pin It Now!