Reflection

I grew not uncomfortable breaking my anatomy guidelines and understanding of color theory, but while I may have respectably emulated De Kooning’s theme, I have not captured his style. For instance the figure in my drawing is still too rigid. The left shoulder of the figure looks polygonal, and the pose is stiff. In addition, I am not skilled enough to capture the natural effect of oil on canvas. The best I can do is apply some overall texture, but making subpixel-sharp brush strokes was beyond me.

The result of this speedpaint, therefore, looks simpler, smoother, and much less detailed than the original. What I have learned from this digital facsimile is that composing brush strokes and color—as messy as they might initially appear—requires significant planning and time to replicate acceptably. I would like more time to not only paint with less blotchy strokes but also to create digital brushes that properly emulate the movement of bristles on a canvas. Only modern versions of Photoshop have that tool, and I would need more time then to learn how to use it. Perhaps it would take me years to reach such levels of similarity, as De Kooning had.

Bibliography

• Hess, Thomas B. "De Kooning Paints a Picture." ARTnews. Mar. 1953. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.

• "The Strange Story behind De Kooning's Woman I | Art | Agenda | Phaidon." Phaidon. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.

• "Willem De Kooning | American Artist." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2014. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.

• "Willem De Kooning Biography, Art, and Analysis of Works." The Art Story. Web. 24 Sept. 2015.