Neo Deco – 18-10-23 (Cubist Study after Lauren Albin Guillot)

Sales info: original (if not sold), prints & printable - visit my website:

Website link: https://corneakkers.com/2023/10/19/neo-deco-18-10-23-cubist-study-after-lauren-albin-guillot/
Printable: https://corneakkers.com/product/printable-neo-deco-18-10-23-cubist-study-after-lauren-albin-guillot/

The Return of Lauren

This graphite pencil drawing ‘Neo Deco – 18-10-23’ is a return to die hard art deco motifs. Initially I planned to draw more landscapes and I certainly will live up to my intentions. It’s just that sometimes you come across one of those motifs that is too impressive to ignore. You imply can’t get it out from your head. That’s what happened with a great photo of Lauren Albin Guillot. It is not the first time though. Last year I also used one of her photos for a drawing. What is it with these 1930s photos? I already told you about their great tonal schemes. I generally consider black & white pictures more charming. However, in the picture at hand from 1935 you see she also has a keen eye for abstract composition.

A Bit Guilty

Picking these kinds of motifs out I always feel considerably guilty. Certainly the photos are not mine and I can only pay homage to the original photographer. The only thing I can do is to add value to it, something new. The first plan was to incorporate some ambiguous images I directly saw. There was a dolphin in the reflection. Well, rather not this time. It would have only ruined a perfectly balanced scene. No shame in changing your mind on a whim though.

Harsh Linear Structures

Instead, I chose to incorporate some harsh linear structures running on the model’s body contour delineation. Moreover, I also increased the white space across the overall depiction. This way I created more vibancy in the negative space than shown in the reference picture. The body didn’t need a lot of abstraction. Only some contrasts in round versus straight forms. This having said, the glory goes to Lauren for the biggest part. As artist, you always stand one someone’s shoulders.

Back to Landscapes

Back to landscapes and cityscapes although I will keep on expanding my Neo Deco series in time. Those you can sketch outdoors or at home aided by a reference photo taken at the spot. One day I hope my art will generate enough revenue to have a big ass house. There I can create these kinds of sceneries Lauren staged. There is little room in my apartment to do so.

Graphite pencil (Faber Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencil 14B) drawing on Talens Bristol paper (21 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm)
Artist: Corné Akkers