Tuesday, July 14, 2009

"MATISSE" MOTIF


Here is an exercise I hadn't tried before. Not that it is a new idea. Cut paper images were perfected by Matisse and so have been around for awhile. Years ago we were at Disneyworld with the kids and had their silhouettes made from cut paper. The artist never drew a line. He just looked at his subject and started cutting and turning the paper all the while producing remarkable likenesses. Lately, I kept running into the idea but thought portraiture a little too challenging. When ideas keep reappearing and jumping out at you, it's time to pay attention. So, in preparation for my new book, I wanted to include the idea of using cut paper as a design technique. I needed to have a sample to include for reference. Here is my "Frenchman a la Matisse" . Cutting shapes without a pattern is more difficult than I had anticipated. There were a few false starts, frustration, temptation to quit but then....I started to really get into it! After awhile I started cutting back into the shapes for negative spaces. After a time, I couldn't stop. I kept adding little shapes and lines to the face. When I have more time, I think I want to practice and get much better. I see real potential for some interesting paintings based on these cut paper patterns. There are some fun examples in the back of the book "Body Parts" by Northlight. Give this a try. Share your results with me and I'll make a slide show.

10 comments:

Jeanette Jobson said...

How interesting! Its almost like making a relief print, having to think values carefully.

I just may give it a shot.

Unknown said...

This is wonderful! Wow! I have to try this, now - you've inspired me!

Anonymous said...

This is lovely, and I could tell right away that it is the Frenchman, great idea, I am inspired to try it now
Abeer

Joyfulartist said...

Myrna, you never stop coming up with new, interesting, challenging things to try. Thank you!

Dan Kent said...

Very, very cool - creative.

RH Carpenter said...

ACH! I know I don't have a steady enough hand for this or the eye to "see" what to leave and what to cut out! Myrna, you are always challenging us!
Looking forward to your book :)

Elflling said...

Myrna, did you first draw out the pattern, then cut it, or did you cut the paper directly? Did you use a knife or a scissor? Thanks!

Myrna Wacknov said...

Thank you all for taking the time to comment. Elflling, No drawing on the construction paper. I cut the paper with scissors, free form, just looking at the shapes I wanted to make and turning and twisting the paper as I went. It takes a little practice to get the hang of it.

caseytoussaint said...

This is really gorgeous. I think I'm going to give it a try, but I'm extremely intimidated - no erasing with scissors....

joanieART said...

Fantastic, Myrna. Love your blog, and your generous sharings about the processes you try. Thanks!

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