BARNETT
SCULPTURE
Gesture Sketches
Study of Laura I and II
While teaching Figure Drawing at Merced College, I would hire the model to stay after class and ask him or her to hold a 20-minute gesture pose. I would cut directly into sheets of sculpture wax and squeeze the shapes together. These are created quickly as a more literal interpretation of human proportions to help keep my eye trained - much like a sketch.
11.5"H x 5"W x 8"D
5.5"H x 5"W x 12"D
- The Kiss -
I've always admired the iconic art themes while teaching Art History of the 20th Century. The Kiss has been reinvented by many famous artists including Rodin, Klimt, Brancusi, & Picasso among others.
My first version here was a miniature. 27 years later, I enlarged The Kiss to a life-size (unique cast) variation , including more details (sold). I am currently creating several new small variations that will be turned into a limited edition series. Original in the Artist's Collection.
These are unique one-of-a-kind small works for a coffee table or shelf unit. I consider my abstractions to be my more serious fine artworks and these are simply studies for training my eye. Over 100 Gesture Sketches are in private collections worldwide now. Here are a few examples...
Gesture Sketch #4 and Sea Shell Dreams
The seated figure's belly has a spiral symbolizing the infinity of new life and the drawn relief shows the same figure seated next to a spiral seashell on the beach. In the Modest Collection
I hope to create an enlargement of Dancer soon.
And I visualize a monumental version of her in front of a Performing Arts Center some day.
Jazz Turquoise
limited edition of 7
Early Works from the 1980's
Reflections
Seated Figure I
In the Artist's Collection