Linda Robertson
LINDA ROBERTSON
These works are observational drawings of the human body, using interplay of light and shadow to reveal physical form and to portray its energy. I am interested in drawing momentary glimpses of human presence in illuminated space, to move the work beyond literal depiction of anatomy towards the realm of abstracted landscape. I see my intention as similar to the way a landscape painter may use movement of light to reveal or transform geographical form to create images which take the viewer beyond a simple description of place. The drawings are worked from life with oil pastel and graphite on polymer paper. I have found this to be an ideal medium to allow interplay of quick, roughly textured line drawing and smooth, translucent layering of colour, to create a sense of human energy as a fleeting, ephemeral presence in space.
“I use illumination and shadow in a way that reflects the theatrical nature of my subjects, who are often dancers.
This interests me more than drawing the human figure simply as anatomy. A life model exerts a great deal of energy and effort in holding a motionless position, so I use line and tone dynamically to express the energy contained within this stillness. My interest in drawing the human figure has been to depict the internal, emotional landscape of form, hovering as an illuminated presence in space.”
