Sketching from the Streets
A beggar on Passeo del Prado, Madrid; man seated bent forward in profile to right with head in hands, shopping trolley r. 5 May 1991 Graphite on stiff wove paper taken from a sketchbook. 2004,0929.64,. AN414460. Image source: British Museum. Dept. of Prints and Drawings.

 

 

 

Drawing directly from people on the street, family, and friends, this artist leaves his successful career as an abstract painter out of frustration. His new practice transfers to other media as well, pastel, print, and ink. When he returns to painting, no preliminary drawings are done. He starts and finishes a painting or pastel drawing in one sitting. 1960s onward.

 

Graphite on stiff wove paper and rag paper.

 

Artist: Avigdor Arikha.

Sketching from the Streets
A disabled man in a wheelchair; whole-length geriatric man in a wheelchair in profile to l, tube from nose. 6 June 1994 Graphite on stiff wove paper from a sketchbook. 2004,0929.70, AN414469. Image source: British Museum. Dept. of Prints and Drawings.
Sketching from the Streets
Saxophonist on Rue Mouffetard; musician playing seated in profile to l, shopping bags surrounding. 25 February 1990 Graphite on rag paper from a sketchbook. 2004,0929.57, AN414412. Image source: British Museum. Dept. of Prints and Drawings.