Laocoön Torso
Title
Creator
Original Format
Colored Pencil on Strathmore
Physical Dimensions
7" x 6"
I was pleased with the outcome of the palette I used in Nude, but was unsatisfied with my use of the medium. So, I decided to continue with the palette and try out some new blending techniques on my next work. Unfortunately, due to quarantine I could no longer use models to draw from life.
Both of these works depict Laocoön’s torso from the Hellenistic sculpture, Laocoön and His Sons. I was drawn to the way classical nudes exaggerate the musculature of the human body. Additionally, Laocoön and His Sons features an extreme twist in the torso that creates deep shadows across the form. With high contrasts and a dynamic pose, this sculpture was the perfect choice for my next project.
Once I had finished working on the body of Laocoön, I added in a black background as I did in Nude. However, I wanted to showcase both the drawing before and after this decision as it made a dramatic difference on the colors of the form. In the iteration without the black background, the hues seem to be more blue; whereas, in the other version, the colors appear more violet. I am pleased with both outcomes, but wanted to convey how simple decisions in the composition can change the entire piece.
I was pleased with the outcome of the palette I used in Nude, but was unsatisfied with my use of the medium. So, I decided to continue with the palette and try out some new blending techniques on my next work. Unfortunately, due to quarantine I could no longer use models to draw from life.
Both of these works depict Laocoön’s torso from the Hellenistic sculpture, Laocoön and His Sons. I was drawn to the way classical nudes exaggerate the musculature of the human body. Additionally, Laocoön and His Sons features an extreme twist in the torso that creates deep shadows across the form. With high contrasts and a dynamic pose, this sculpture was the perfect choice for my next project.
Once I had finished working on the body of Laocoön, I added in a black background as I did in Nude. However, I wanted to showcase both the drawing before and after this decision as it made a dramatic difference on the colors of the form. In the iteration without the black background, the hues seem to be more blue; whereas, in the other version, the colors appear more violet. I am pleased with both outcomes, but wanted to convey how simple decisions in the composition can change the entire piece.
Collection
Citation
Megan Wilson, “Laocoön Torso,” Studio Art Majors: Senior Exhibition 2020, accessed May 11, 2024, https://seniorexhibition2020.omeka.net/items/show/11.