Female Figure Studies

by

David Reuter

Figure Studies by David Reuter

THE FEMALE FIGURE

Every Artists interprets the Human Form differently and I enjoy studying how Artists use elements like line, marks, color, direction, curves, shapes and movement to express their personal view of the Figure.

All of my Studies are “Works On Paper” and are interpretations of the original works. They’re drawn with different materials and are different sizes than the originals. I’ve included the name of the original Artist, the Title of the Artwork and when possible, its current location.

Materials I like to use are: Soft Pastels, Hard Pastels, Oil Pastels, Conté Crayons, India Ink, Drawing Inks, Ball Point Pens, Felt Pens, Hand Cut Reed Pens, Fountain Pens, Compressed Charcoal, Vine Charcoal, Powdered Charcoal, Pencil, Graphite, Colored Pencils, Sharpies and Copic Markers.

These Figure Studies were all selected from an ongoing series that I’m doing from Museum and Private Collections.

I sincerely hope that you enjoy a handful of my studies.

David Reuter

Yoshitaka Nakhon “Naked 1960” study by David Reuter

This is a Study that I did of a Woodblock Print by Japanese Artist Yoshitaka Nakhon titled NAKED 1960. Yoshitaka did a series of incredibly unique and beautiful. Female Nudes using Woodblock Prints during the 1950’s and 60’s, My drawing was done with Vine Charcoal and Black, White and Red Compressed Charcoal on a 14 1/2” X 12” Toned Sheet of Grumbacher Heavyweight Charcoal / Pastel Paper.

Study by David Reuter

 

Arthur Bowen Davies “Seated Nude Seen From Behind” study by David Reuter

Arthur Bowen Davies was an avant-garde American artist and an advocate of modern art, He became very wealthy from the sale of his art and quietly supported struggling artists. He was also a very secretive man with many hidden sides to his life.

This is a study of his drawing SEATED NUDE SEEN FROM BEHIND, ca. 1920. My Study was done with Vine Charcoal and Black and White Compressed Charcoal on an 18” X 12” sheet of Manila Drawing Paper. The original work by Davies is currently located in the Prints, Drawings & Photographs Collection at The Detroit Institute of Arts. Study by David Reuter

As a music student, I was taught the importance of learning how to Transcribe Music directly from recordings. It’s no small challenge to sit down and listen closely to a Record, CD, Audio Recording or mp3 file and transcribe a melody, chord progression, solos, harmony or counterpoint and then notate what you’ve transcribed onto a blank sheet of music manuscript paper. But that’s only the first step, the next challenge is to pick up your instrument and learn how to play what you’ve transcribed and begin to internalize that music.

Edgar Degas “Seated Nude Woman Brushing Her Hair” study by David Reuter

Edgar Degas figure drawings are always deeply intimate and emotional. He somehow captures those split second private moments of female figures bathing, dressing and brushing their hair that almost cross the line of encroaching on someone’s privacy in a voyeuristic way that cause the viewer to stare deeply at the subject of his painting.

This is a Study that I did of Edgar Degas SEATED NUDE WOMAN BRUSHING HER HAIR.  My drawing was done with Vine Charcoal, Black and White Compressed Charcoal and Colored Pencils on an 11” X 14” sheet of Pastel Paper. The original work by Degas is currently located in the Prints, Drawings & Photographs Collection at The Detroit Institute of Arts. Study by David Reuter

Rockwell Kent “Study of a Nude” study by David Reuter

Rockwell Kent lived a very interesting life, he was a painter, printmaker, illustrator, writer, sailor, adventurer and voyager. This is a Study that I did of Rockwell Kent’s Watercolor Painting from 1926 STUDY OF A NUDE.

For my Study, I used Vine Charcoal and Black and White Compressed Charcoal on an 11” X 14” sheet of Strathmore Pastel Paper. The location of the original work by Kent is Unknown. Study by David Reuter

To me, Music and Drawing are very interrelated art forms that share a common vocabulary. Words like color, tone, theme, repetition, form, melody, rhythm, dynamics, volume, direction are as common in drawing as they are in music. Both disciplines offer their own unique challenges but both require creativity, passion, in-depth study and a daily commitment to practicing. For those reasons, I try to approach Music and Drawing in somewhat the same way

Marcel Gromaire “Nude Lying on Gray and Pink” study by David Reuter

Here is my Study of Marcel Gromaire’s 1968 painting NUDE LYING ON GRAY AND PINK. Gromaire studied Law in Paris then spent six years in the French Army. He was wounded fighting in WWI. My drawing was done with Vine Charcoal, Black, White and Red Compressed Charcoal and Colored Pencils on 14” X 12” Manila Drawing Paper. The original work by Gromaire is currently in a Private Collection. Study by David Reuter

 

Max Webber "Seated Nude” circa 1910 study by David Reuter

This is a Study I did of Max Webber’s drawing SEATED NUDE circa 1910. Webber was born in Poland in 1881 and emigrated to the United States with his parents. His family settled in New York City and he studied Art. Webber’s original work is currently in a Private Collection. My Study was done with a Black Conté Crayon on 12” X 18” Cream Colored Grumbacher Charcoal / Pastel Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Jankel Adler “Seated Nude, Blue” study by David Reuter 

This is a Study I did of Jankel Adler’s painting SEATED NUDE, BLUE. Born in Poland in 1895 Adler moved to Germany in 1914. When the Nazis rose to power, he was forced to flee Germany because he was Jewish and his paintings were seized from Public Collections. The current location of this artwork is unknown. My Study today was done with Black and Blue Ink on 12 X 18 Vellum. Study by David Reuter 

 

Pablo Picasso "Blue Nude" 1902 study by David Reuter

This Study is based on Pablo Picasso’s 1902 Painting Blue Nude. Picasso famous “Blue Period” started in 1901 shortly after the suicide of his close friend, Artist Carlos Casagemas.

Picasso went through long periods of depression characterized by somber paintings rendered mostly in shades of blue and blue-green and slightly warmed by other colors.

The original painting of this work is in a private collection in Paris.

My Study was done with Black Compressed Charcoal and Oil Pastels on an 8” X 11” sheet of Blue Toned Strathmore Pastel Paper. Study by David Reuter

After graduating from Berklee College of Music in Boston, I enrolled at The Boston Architectural College and while taking classes there I began to develop a deeper interest in drawing. I completed lots of drawing projects for my classes but what I enjoyed the most was grabbing a pad of newsprint paper, some sticks of charcoal and drawing plein air. I drew buildings, trees, landscapes, cityscapes, factories, churches and architecture around New England. At that time, I didn’t have a lot of direction, I just enjoyed being outside and finding something interesting to sketch or draw.

Gustave Buchet “Nude Seen From Behind” study by David Reuter

This is a study I did based on Gustave Buchet 1930 Painting NUDE SEEN FROM THE BACK. Born In Switzerland in 1888, Buchet lived in Paris and was strongly influenced by Purism, a form of Cubism. His original painting of this work is currently in a private collection.  My Study was done with Soft Pastels and Black Compressed Charcoal on an 11” X 13” sheet of Winsor & Newton Watercolor Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Carmen Tyrrell “Blue Heart” study by David Reuter

This is a study that I did of Carmen Tyrrell’s Painting BLUE HEART. Born and Educated in Bucharest Romania, Tyrrell now lives and works in England. Her artwork is bold and reflective and is currently available to purchase online. My Study today was done with Black and White Compressed Charcoal and Soft and Oil Pastels on a 10” X 14” sheet of Manila Drawing Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Egon Schiele “Hockender Weiblicher Akt” study by David Reuter

This is a study of Egon Schiele’s 1910 painting HOCKENDER WEIBLICHER AKT. Born in Austria in 1890, Schiele is regarded as one of the greatest figurative artists of the 20th Century. The original is located in Leopold Museum in Vienna. My Study was done with Powdered Charcoal, Compressed Black and White Charcoal and Oil and Soft Pastels on an 11” X 14” Cream Colored Sheet of Strathmore Pastel Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Amedeo Modigliani “Female Bust In Red” study by David Reuter

This is my study of Amedeo Modigliani’s 1915 Painting FEMALE BUST IN RED.  Modigliani was born in Italy in 1884 and started drawing and painting at an early age. He contracted tuberculosis and died at 35. The original painting of this work is located that the Minneapolis Institute of Art. My Study was done with Soft Pastels and Charcoal on a 9” X 12” sheet of Strathmore Charcoal paper. Study by David Reuter

Carl Newman “Standing Female Nude” study by David Reuter

This is my study based on Carl Newman’s drawing STANDING FEMALE NUDE. Born in Philadelphia 1858, Newman’s work was often controversial because he was known for drawing flamboyant images of nude figures that often shocked the American public. The original work by Newman is located in The Smithsonian American Art Museum. My study today was done with Vine and Compressed Charcoal on a 10” X 13 1/2” Recycled Amazon Prime Cardboard. panel Study by David Reuter

One person, one event or one friendship can change your life forever and one day, I met Artist Thornton Utz. Thornton encouraged me to continue drawing and he recommended a specific methodology for me to follow. He said that he learned to master drawing by studying “Life Drawing” and that throughout his life as an Artist he often returned to the method that was taught by Kimon Nicolaides in his book The Natural Way to Draw. I found a copy of that book at my local public library and I started patiently working my way through it one lesson and one exercise at a time. Now, a lifetime later, I still enjoy returning to that same book.

Henri Matisse “Blue Nude I” circa 1952 study by David Reuter

This is my Study of Henri Matisse’s lithograph BLUE NUDE I. Matisse was born in 1869 in France and studied Law. While living in Paris he became very ill and he began painting after his mother brought him art supplies during his recovery. He did a series of lithographs from cut-outs depicting nude figures in various positions. My Study was done with Soft Pastels on a sheet of 9” X 14” Manila Drawing Paper. Study by David Reuter

Living in Boston allowed me the opportunity to explore Figure Drawing on a deep level because there are countless museums, galleries, art schools and community centers that host open studios with live models. Figure drawing can easily become an obsession and I have thousands of gesture and contour drawings and studies that I’ve done throughout the years as warm up and practice drawings as I’ve searched for my marks, my lines and for my style. 

Alexej von Jawlensky’s 1912 Painting “Reclining Nude” study by David Reuter

This is my Study of Alexej von Jawlensky’s 1912 painting RECLINING NUDE. Born in Russia in 1864, Jawlensky was an officer in the Tsarist Army. Many of his artworks were confiscated by the Nazis as “Degenerate Art. The original of this painting is in The National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.  My Study was done with Compressed Charcoal on 12” X 161/2” White Fabriano Laid Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Jean (Hans) Arp “Vers le Blanc Infini.” study by David Reuter

This is a study that I did of Jean (Hans) Arp’s 1960 drawing VERS LE BLANC INFIN. Born in Strasbourg, France in 1866, Arp studied art in Paris and worked as a Sculptor, Painter, Poet. Many of his drawings were preparatory studies for his Abstract Sculptures. My study was done with Vine and Compressed Charcoal on a 9” X 12” Sheet of Cream Colored Strathmore Charcoal Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

John Storrs “Crouching Nude” 1917 study by David Reuter

This is my Study of John Storrs 1917 drawing CROUCHING NUDE. Born in Chicago in 1885, Storrs studied singing in Berlin, but soon became a sculptor. He is best known for his machine-like sculptures. The original drawing by Storrs is currently located at The Detroit Institute of Arts. My Study was done with Compressed Black & White Charcoal on a 9” X 14” recycled cardboard. Study by David Reuter

I enjoy the unique challenges of drawing the human figure but I am always in awe of how some Artists are able to infuse themselves into their work and somehow they’re able to get to a point or to a place where they’re interpreting the human form in a new way. Here are some of my Studies of other Artists work.

Roz McQuillan painting “Female Torso” study by David Reuter

This is my Study of Roz McQuillan’s painting FEMALE TORSO. Currently living in Australia. She is an award winning artist with a passionate interest in portraits and figure drawing. She has also worked as a children’s book illustrator. Her work is currently available online. My study today was done with Bistre, White and Black Conté crayons on 7 ½” X 11” Strathmore Charcoal Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Jenna Snyder-Phillips painting “Abstract Nude” study by David Reuter

This is my study of Jenna Snyder-Phillips painting ABSTRACT NUDE. A graduate of The Parsons School of Design, Jenna Snyder-Phillips is currently based in New York City where she's worked as an Art Curator, Graphic Designer and Independent Artist. She has developed her own fluid style of figure drawing and life drawing that direct and powerful. My Study today was done with Vine Charcoal, Compressed Charcoal and a Sharpie Pen on 12” X 16” Vellum. Art Investor, Art Advisors, Art Dealers, Art Galleries, Fine Art, Original Art, ROI, Investment, Collectibles. Study by David Reuter

I’ve tried to apply the “Transcription Method” that I was taught as a Musician to these Drawing Studies. I’m not trying to “Copy” another Artist’s work, I’m trying to learn from the Artist by exploring their work in greater depth. Some of my drawings may resemble the original work more than others but my goal is to capture the emotion, not the execution of the original.

John B. Flannagan drawing “FEMALE NUDE, SEEN FROM BEHIND” study by David Reuter

Here’s my Study John B. Flannagan drawing “Female Nude, Seen from Behind” c. 1930-1939. Born in Fargo, North Dakota in April 1895, Flannagan's father died when he was only five years old, and his mother, unable to support her family, placed him in an orphanage. Unrelenting poverty plague him for the rest of his life. He was primarily known as a sculptor but was also prolific draftsman. In his drawings, he'd try to reduce forms to spare calligraphic lines. Flannagan suffered from severe depression and alcoholism, which ultimately led to his suicide. My Study today was done with Compressed Charcoal on a sheet of 18" X 24 Newsprint Paper. Study by David Reuter

 
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Jenna Snyder-Phillips painting “SEDUTA TRANQUILLO” study by David Reuter

This is my Study of Jenna Snyder-Phillips painting Seduta Tranquillo. A contemporary Independent Artist, Curator and Graphic Designer currently living and working in New York City, Snyder-Phillips studied Art at The Parsons School of Design in Greenwich Village. My Study was done with Vine and Compressed Charcoal on a 10” X 12” sheet of Strathmore Watercolor Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Arthur Bowen Davies painting “SEATED NUDE” study by David Reuter

This is my Study of Artist Arthur Bowen Davies painting “SEATED NUDE.” Born In1862 in Utica New York, Davies married a Wealthy Murderess whose family required that he sign a Prenuptial Agreement to protect her assets. Davies became very successful and wealthy painter and his wealth allowed him to financially support other artists and he also collected works of art from other famous artists. My Study today was done on 11” X 14” Green Toned Strathmore Pastel Paper with Oil and Soft Pastels and Black and White Compressed Charcoal. Study by David Reuter

 

Marcel Gromaire's 1927 Painting “NUDE IN A JACKET” study by David Reuter

This is my Study of Marcel Gromaire's 1927 Painting “NUDE IN A JACKET.” Born in Northern France in 1892, Gromaire Studied Law in Paris and served in the Army for six years. He was wounded during the Battle of the Somme in 1916. After the war, he returned to Paris where he studied Art and worked as a painter.

The original painting of this work by Gromaire is located at The Musée National d'Art Moderne in Paris.

My Study was done in Soft and Oil Pastels on a 14" X 91/2' Sheet of Manila Drawing Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Egon Schiele “STANDING NUDE GIRL WITH LONG HAIR” Study by David Reuter

This is my study of STEHENDER MÄDCHENAKT MIT LANGEN HAAREN (STANDING NUDE GIRL WITH LONG HAIR) 1918 by Egon Schiele.

Words like daring, erotic and pornographic have been used to Schiele's work but by almost any standard, Egon Schiele is considered one most original figurative painters of the 20th century.

The original by Schiele was recently sold at a Southey’s Auction and is in a Private Collection. 

My drawing was done with Conté Crayon on a 10” X 12” Cream Colored sheet of paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Adolf Erbslöh “NUDE WITH GARTER” Study by David Reuter

Adolf Erbslöh was born in New York in 1881 but he and his family returned to Germany where he studied Art and became a founding member of Neue Künstlervereinigung München. He was drafted and served in WWI on the Western Front and after the war he traveled and painted.

Eventually, Erbslöh settled in Bavaria and he became increasingly withdrawn from life. Many of his paintings remain unfinished and he signed few of them. The original painting by Erbslöh is in a Private Collection.

My Study was done with Oil Pastels and Compressed Charcoal on a 10” X 15” sheet of Manila Drawing Paper. Study by David Reuter

 

Kiyoshi Saito Woodblock Print “NUDE” Study by David Reuter

This is my study of Kiyoshi Saito 1966 Woodblock Print titled “NUDE”. Kiyoshi Saito was born in Fukushima, Japan in 1907. He apprenticed as a sign painter and studied drawing and art. Saito began experimenting with woodblock prints and eventually that became his primary medium. His prints were self-drawn, self-carved and self-printed. The original by Kiyoshi of this work is currently available for sale by Ronin Gallery in New York City. My drawing was done with Vine and Compressed Charcoal and Oil Pastels on a 9” X 12 sheet of paper. Study by David Reuter

 
Josef Albers “Standing Nude II” ca. 1919 Study by David Reuter Musician / Artist This is a study I did of Josef Albers circa 1919 drawing STANDING NUDE II.  Born into a family of craftsmen in Bottrop, Germany in 1888, Josef Albers studied to be…

Josef Albers “Standing Nude II” ca. 1919 Study by David Reuter Musician / Artist

This is a study I did of Josef Albers circa 1919 drawing STANDING NUDE II.  

Born into a family of craftsmen in Bottrop, Germany in 1888, Josef Albers studied to become a schoolteacher. After the Nazi’s rose to power in 1933 Albers emigrated to the United States where he taught at Yale and at Black Mountain College. Albers worked in many different disciplines including Stained Glass, Furniture Design, Photography, Murals, Printmaking, Drawing, Painting and Color Theory. 

The original work by Albers is currently located at The Josef and Anni Albers Foundation in Bethany, Connecticut. My study was done with Compressed Charcoal on a 11” x 14” sheet of Blue Strathmore Pastel Paper. Study by David Reuter.


 

Please feel free to stop back from time-to-time to check on the progress of this series and on other projects that I’m working.

David Reuter Musician / Artist

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