Simply Amazing

The above photo was take at the Grand Rapids Art Museum. It is a pencil drawing titled Calvary, American Officers 1921. The artistic tool of choice by the author Chris LaPorte was a 2h drawing pencil. This is just a section of the entire piece as you get a better look at the breadth of the work in the image below.

These are the same photo except the top one was corrected for distortion in Lightroom. The actual drawing goes out of frame in the lower photo. Having the people in the picture gives some for of scale of the work. Below is a closer image of some of the men in the drawing. One of the real amazing aspects of this drawing is how the shadow of the sun presented nearly split lighting and eventually came to broad lighting on the left side of the drawing.

Finally the image below is a close up of one of the officers just to show the detail that was given to each stroke of the pencil. The vision and touch LaPorte had with the 2h pencil is... Simply amazing.

I can think of no better way to close out this post than to present here the Work Statement by the author:

E Pluribus Unim - Of many one.

Many marks make ip the drawing. Many men make up the regiment. Many lines make up the face. Many wrinkles make up the shirt. Many characters make up the story. Many experiences male up the event. Many minutes make up the hour, day, year.

This drawing is both a representation of the people, their legacy and the countless organization of pencils marks that make up a composition. It is about the process of drawing, and also a portrait if these men who must have survived horrific events to preserve what we experience today. The drawing is an exploration of character and an exploration of mark-making to revel that character.

It is also a tribute to lasting legacy. I wanted these men to be life size, so that their impact may be immediate and tangible. They are her and now but also way back when.

Chris LaPorte - Artist

Take Care... Doug