Creating Tribute to Alma Tadema – 16-03-24

Website link: https://corneakkers.com/2024/03/16/tribute-to-alma-tadema-16-03-24/
Printable: https://corneakkers.com/product/printable-tribute-to-alma-tadema-16-03-24/

Another Tribute

This graphite pencil drawing ‘Tribute to Alma Tadema – 16-03-24’ is dedicated to a painter causing a stir in England. That’s more than hundred years ago though. Not the first time I did that. Back in 2021 I did one including my regular model reclining under the mediterranean sun. Last year I did Psyche & Amor – 23-05-23 being an elaboration of that drawing. Isn’t that enough, you’d say? No, certainly not and below I will explain why.

Something Rotten

Something is rotten in the state art today or is it? Well, perhaps that’s too baldly put. In my statement to ‘The Infinite Waves of Eternity – 06-02-24’ I already spoke of a rubble pile of nonsense in this post-modern art world. Craft has left art and everythings goes, so it seems. Take tonal scales for example. Back in the day artists trained themselves in producing such a scale the first year in art school. With this drawing I want to demontrate what suitable tones can do and support the theme of an artwork. What do you think? A bit old-fashioned? Do you like Zene art, wall art or any other decorative work in general? Please let me know my sending me a mail.

Not the Ultimate Kitsch

Therefor I dedicate this drawing to someone who was accused of creating the ultimate kitsch. Cookie jar or cigar box art they call it. Kitsch or not, I’ll keep on referring to the beauty great artists sought to create throughout thousans of years. Lourens had a bit of a sweet tooth, that’s for sure. Surely great and original art though. By the way, the piece is inspired by a smashing reference picture by Jacob Merkelbach, called ‘La Petite Mélancholie’. So, this is also in honor of him. Some final words: the less skilled artist become, the more skills I will display.

Graphite pencil (Faber Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencil 14B) drawing on Talens Bristol paper (21 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm)

Artist: Corné Akkers