Observational and Non-Observational Drawing

Observational & Non-Observational Drawing

Lets start by defining two key styles of art making. Observational and Non-observational drawing.

Observational Drawing

Observational drawing involves closely studying and representing the visible world around you. It emphasizes capturing the details, proportions, and relationships of objects as they appear in reality.

Observational Drawing

Artists who practice observational drawing, often work from the direct observation of a still life, a model, or a scene. They carefully analyze the subject, paying attention to light, shadow, form, and perspective.

Model

Still Life

Scene

Observational Drawing

This observational approach aims to translate what the artist sees with accuracy and detail onto paper.

Click each of the images on this page to find out more about the artworks.

Chuch Close Big Self Portrait, 1968

Vija CelminsOcean, 1975

Albrecht Dürer The Great Piece of Turf, 1503

Observational Drawing

The examples of observational art featured on the last page were incredibly hyper-realistic. However, it's important to note that hyper-realism isn't the sole approach to observational art. In the following examples, the artwork is created through direct observation but incorporates a touch of creative interpretation.

Click each of the images on this page to find out more about the artworks.

Georgia O'Keefe Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico 1930's

Vincent Van Gogh Bedroom in Arles, 1888

Giorgio Morandi Still Life, 1949

Non-Observational Drawing

Non-observational drawing, also known as imaginative or conceptual drawing, involves creating images that do not directly replicate real-world objects or scenes. It allows for greater personal interpretation, creativity, and abstraction.

Robert Rauschenberg, Religious Fluke, 1962

Non-Observational Drawing

Click on each of the images below for information on the artist and artwork

Wassily Kandinsky Composition #8 1923

Hilma AF Klimt The Ten Largest, No. 7, Adulthood Group IV

Sonia Gechtoff Blue Solstice, 2017

Non-Observational Drawing

Abstract and/or Intuitive

Click each of the images on this page to find out more about the artworks.

Bernard Cohen, In that Moment , 1965

Yayoi Kusama

It's not as Objective as it Sounds

• The distinction between Observational and 'abstract' becomes blurred, and not every work neatly fits into either category.

• Artists employ a range of techniques, often blending observational elements with expressive, abstract approaches. Let's explore a few examples.

Click each of the images on this page to find out more about the artworks.

Giacoma Balla, The Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash, 1912

Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night, 1889

Claude Monet Impression, Sunrise, 1872

Let's quickly review, then engage in a quick self-assessment with two questions.

Observational

Non-Observational

Blurring the Lines

The blurred boundaries between observational and abstract, recognizing that artworks often transcend strict categorization.

Art that departs from direct representation, often exploring abstract, imaginative, or conceptual realms.

Art rooted in direct observation of the visible world.

Key Points

Key Points

Key Points

• Freedom from the constraints of direct observation
• emphasis on creative interpretation
• a departure from recognizable forms

• precision and accuracy in representing observed subjects
• keen attention to detail
• a faithful depiction of reality.

• Artistic techniques vary
• artists blend observation with abstraction
• creative interpretation plays a crucial role.

Awesome Job!

Knowing this terminology and these different ways of working, will give you a better understanding of what is being asked of you for each of the different assignments in the class.

Since this is a foundational class, we will focus a lot of our time on observational drawing, working on methods for accurately representing shape, form, and light, and space.

Throughout the class we will experiment with diverse mark-making tecniques, integrating more expressive models into select assignments throughout the class.

Sonia Gechtoff

Sonia Gechtoff (1926–2018) was an American abstract expressionist painter of Russian-Jewish and Native American descent. As a significant figure in the abstract expressionist movement, Gechtoff's work showcased her innovative approach to non-objective art. Her paintings featured bold and dynamic brushstrokes, creating compositions that exuded energy and emotion.

Claude Monet

Claude Monet, a pivotal figure in the Impressionist movement, challenges the traditional boundaries of representation in "Impression, Sunrise." This painting, considered a cornerstone of Impressionism, captures the ephemeral effects of light and atmosphere on the port of Le Havre. Monet's loose brushstrokes and emphasis on color over form create a scene that hovers between representation and abstraction. The term "Impressionism" itself stems from the title of this groundbreaking work, reflecting the movement's focus on capturing the artist's immediate perception of a scene.

Van Gogh

Vincent van Gogh's "The Starry Night" is a profound example of how observational art can merge with expressive abstraction. This painting, created during the Post-Impressionist movement, captures the view from Van Gogh's asylum window. The swirling, expressive sky and vibrant colors reveal the artist's emotional interpretation of the scene. Van Gogh's unique visual language bridges the representational and abstract, conveying not only the night sky but also his inner emotional turbulence.

Georgia O'Keeffe, an iconic American artist known for her innovative approach to modernism, made a significant contribution to the world of art. In "Black Mesa Landscape, New Mexico," O'Keeffe showcases her talent for combining direct observation with interpretive flair. The landscape is meticulously observed, yet O'Keeffe introduces her own vision by emphasizing the bold lines and shapes, creating an almost abstract representation of the natural world. She is also well known for her various series of magnified flowers, skulls and antlers, skyskrapers, and series including the pelvis, including the example to the right.

Pelvis with the Distance, 1943

Wassily Kandinsky

Kandinsky was a key figure in the development of abstract art and believed that art should express the inner emotional and spiritual dimensions rather than merely imitate the external world. His interest in music significantly influenced his art. Kandinsky often compared painting to music, referring to his works as "compositions" and his use of color and form as a way to evoke emotions similarly to how music does. " Kandinsky sought to convey a sense of harmony and emotion through the visual elements on the canvas, while transcending the contraints of representational forms.

Yayoi Kusama

Yayoi Kusama, a Japanese contemporary artist born in 1929, is renowned for her avant-garde, immersive installations and her unique approach to mark-making. Her signature polka dots, intricate patterns, and vibrant colors characterize her paintings and installations. Kusama's art is deeply influenced by her experiences with mental health, and her avant-garde work has roots in surrealism and minimalism. Throughout her life, Kusama has explored themes of infinity, obsession, and personal identity, creating visually captivating and psychologically charged artworks.

Vija Celmins' drawing "Ocean" is a stunning example of her meticulous approach to observational drawing. Created in the 1970s, this work captures the vast and intricate details of the ocean's surface with remarkable precision. Celmins, though associated with photorealism, extends beyond mere replication, infusing her pieces with a meditative quality. Her technique involves an intense focus on fine details, achieved through the use of graphite and charcoal. The image to the left shows another stunning example of her work.

Vija Celmins, Bikini, 1968

Hilma AF Klimt

Hilma af Klint (1862-1944) was a pioneering Swedish artist who played a crucial role in the development of non-objective art. Breaking away from academic traditions, af Klint embarked on her groundbreaking artistic journey in 1906, creating a series of 193 boldly colorful paintings that defied visible reality. Influenced by spiritualism, science, and the "invisible world," af Klint's abstract vocabulary blended biomorphic and geometric forms. Engaging in automatic drawing and writing through séances, she collaborated with four other women, exploring new realms of artistic expression. Af Klint's contributions challenge the traditional narrative of abstraction's pioneers, showcasing her as an early trailblazer in the world of non-objective art.

For more on Klimt, check out this video

This photorealistic image by Chuck Close is close to 9' x 7' tall! Close's meticulous technique involves an intricate grid system, wherein each square is filled with small, detailed marks. Through this method, he captures an astonishing level of realism, rendering his own face with almost photographic precision.

Check out this video where Chuck discusses the work.

Giorgio Morandi, renowned for his still lifes, exemplifies the nuanced blend of direct observation and interpretive finesse in works such as "Still Life", from 1949. While his approach isn't hyper-realistic, Morandi captures the essence of his subjects through a delicate interplay of color and a restrained, loose line. In this particular piece, the careful observation of objects is evident, but it transcends mere replication. Morandi imparts a touch of interpretation, subtly manipulating color tones and allowing his lines to breathe with a certain looseness. Morandi's mastery lies not only in his technical skill but also in his ability to infuse still life with an ethereal, almost poetic quality through subtle creative choices.

Detail from Still Life, 1949

Vincent van Gogh's "The Bedroom in Arles" is an example of observational drawing that transcends strict realism, showcasing the artist's unique blend of observation and creative interpretation. This painting captures the interior of a bedroom, with an expressive and vivid style. While elements like the furniture and spatial arrangement are rooted in direct observation, he infuses the scene with his emotional perspective. The exaggerated colors and bold brushstrokes contribute to the overall intensity and dynamism of the composition.

Detail of Bedroom in Arles

Albrecht Dürer's "The Great Piece of Turf" is a masterful example of observational drawing from the Renaissance period. Executed in 1503, this watercolor and gouache painting demonstrates Dürer's meticulous attention to detail and keen interest in the natural world. Although not photorealistic in the modern sense, the work showcases a profound commitment to realism, capturing the intricate textures and forms of grasses and wildflowers with remarkable accuracy. Dürer's work aligns with the tradition of scientific illustration prevalent during the Renaissance, where artists collaborated with scientists to document and understand the natural world. "The Great Piece of Turf" serves as both a botanical study and a testament to the Renaissance fascination with empirical observation and exploration. During this time, there was a heightened interest in the accurate depiction of nature, driven by a desire to comprehend and categorize the world around them.

Detail of 'Great Piece of Turf"

Bernard Cohen

Cohen's approach often involves geometric shapes, bold colors, and a dynamic interplay of forms. Throughout his career, Cohen has explored the expressive potential of color and shape, pushing the boundaries of non-objective art with his distinctive style.

Giacomo Balla

Giacomo Balla, associated with the Italian Futurist movement, challenges the conventional boundaries of representation in "The Dynamism of a Dog on a Leash." This iconic painting captures the essence of motion through a series of dynamic lines, reflecting the Futurist emphasis on portraying the speed and energy of modern life. Balla's work blurs the lines between observation and abstraction, as the meticulously rendered dog's movement becomes a rhythmic exploration of form and dynamism.