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Statement About the Artist
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In an effort to participate
in the great tradition of figure drawing, Marlene Steele explores
the figure from life in charcoal.
The beauty of the human form is a time-honored challenge and presents
an especially unique opportunity in working with the live model.
She practices the timed croqui technique to facilitate the natural
gesture in her figure drawings. Ms Steele often works through the
roster of poses her models present fully realizing that there is
no loss in the repetition of the exercise.
As each sheet repeats the motif there
is a new
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search for
the dominate mass or a directional line more informed. A review of
the series will reveal a sifting process in which the volumes of the
figure are intensified, a passage of light is refined or a rhythmic
balance resonates more fully.
Sometimes in revisiting a pose, Marlene Steele will endeavor to reinvestigate
a classic figure on a toned paper or in another media such as watercolor
or pastel. These works seek to represent the human figure as an element
of design in the context of composition with the added challenge of
color. By expanding on the initial concept, the artist investigates
in depth the viability of impressions of the croqui sketch. A defining
process that involves both editing and amplification of the concept
is achieved in alignment
with graphic design principles. Throughout
this processof |
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confrontation and immediacy of report, this artist
aspires toward combining skills of observation with personal terms
of expression. There are no short cuts to the plateau of achievement
and there is much insight to be gained in the process of seeing
for oneself.
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See a selection of the courtroom sketches done by Marlene Steele. These drawings, executed in charcoal and pastel on toned pastel paper render courtroom dramas as they unfold before judge and jury. Drawings are authorized for appearance on WCPO Channel 9 News and Channel 64 and are copyrighted by the artist's studio.
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