Exploring Life Visually

I love the experience of art - both viewing and sometimes creating it. I started drawing as a teenager but the process of drawing/painting was so stressful that I gave it up for many years. Recently I realized, when looking at my older work, that I could participate again as a creator of art - not just as a viewer. Older and possibly wiser I'm back to exploring the world through the medium of painting and drawing.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

I recently got a membership to our local art museum, the Blanton, so I could go and draw after the art whenever as a means of study and inspiration. This is after a section of a painting by Vincent Valdez.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

November afternoon - flora and fauna.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

Quick drawing of Philippe when he was still a kitten and who was fascinated by an errand in the car. I’m still learning my way to a consistent drawing practice. Finding a way to start drawing is often the most difficult part of a day’s drawing. Philippe, being such an earnest subject, helped me out on this occasion.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

I find there is more energy in the process of drawing when I feel an emotional connection (positive or negative) with the subject matter. With Jane Goodall the energy is so peaceful and accepting. I hope some of her love comes through in this rendering.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

This is a drawing after a photo I took in the Louvre of a bust of Pompey. I’m fairly certain that Pompey was a ruthless general and politician but I chose this subject more out of historical interest than admiration. To think that some of this was probably carved in the presence of Pompey connects me in a visceral way to Ancient Rome as opposed to the more intellectual way achieved through reading history or Latin.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

Back in 2005 my wife and I rented a car in France so we could explore at our own pace in Normandy. This painting is from a photo of our car in a roadside parking area near Mont Saint Michel. Liz is reading something in the front seat. Apparently this model of Renault was popular back then. Created in Procreate in color for a change. See, I can do color works sometimes.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

Jack watches and has opinions.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

As much as possible I’m trying to draw a “scene” which is a context where all elements are influenced by each other and creates a sense of place. That doesn’t mean that I reach my goal but here’s another try… A scene from Dark Victory this time.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

Trying out a different approach to drawing - one pass at each contour and committing to it even if the line isn’t perfect. Reminds me a little of New Yorker cartoons. Jack, who looks menacing but is actually a sweetheart, chilling with his sister Jill on my studio table.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

The Greek and Roman sculpture rooms in museums such as the Louvre or the Met are spiritual experiences for me. Maybe because they are a physical connection to historical figures whose works I’ve read or whose lives I’ve studied or because they’re beautiful in their own right - or maybe all three at once. In any case, here’s my ode to Athena in the form of a drawing.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

After a looong hiatus, due to higher priorities in my personal life, I've started drawing again. I have always been drawn toward historical figures in old photographs. The appeal is even stronger if I've read their work or seen their art or studied the period that they made a contribution. Gustav Mahler (1860-1911) checks all of the boxes and beyond these attributes is just interesting to look at.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

I want there to be some internal life to a drawing that pulls the viewer in and makes them want to examine it closer and understand what is going on. In this case I was trying to recreate the emotional exchange between Clark and Claudette. The further I got into the drawing the more I enjoyed it. Let me know if you feel it or not.

#jeffsatterwhiteart #procreate #blackandwhite #oldhollywood #oldmoviestars #clarkgable #claudettecolbert #ithappenedonenight #artwork #instart #instartist #artistsoninstagram

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

I don’t know why I’m drawn to images from the past but it connects me to something beyond the fashions and attitudes of today. Today’s entry in this vein is of a young Marlene Dietrich with her then director Joseph von Sternberg.

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

New installation at Hyde Park Bar & Grill Westgate. Runs through the end of July. ... ... #protonghost #artshow #hydeparkbarandgrillwestgate #austin #austinartist #artwork #instart #instartist #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/CQGrYNgHVZa/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

A tighter crop. ... ... #protonghost #procreate #portraiture #portrait #fanart #angelinajordan #artwork #instart #instartist #artistsoninstagram #iputaspellonyou https://www.instagram.com/p/CPh9fwrHq4X/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

Angelina merging with the music and releasing it from within. At least for me. ... ... #protonghost #procreate #portraiture #portrait #fanart #angelinajordan #artwork #instart #instartist #artistsoninstagram #iputaspellonyou https://www.instagram.com/p/CPh8yQ0HloD/?utm_medium=tumblr

[jeffsatterwhiteart]

Change of pace. This is a layout of thumbnail squares to allow me a quick way to test compositions. In this case it’s just a collection of warm up doodles. ... ... ... #protonghost #procreate #artwork #portrait #cats #catsofinstagram #instart #instartist #artistsoninstagram https://www.instagram.com/p/COdll6LHTzp/?igshid=1moiwasl187zw