Untitled (Study for 2 Circle IV)
Artist: David Smith (American, 1906-1965)
Date: about 1962
Dimensions:
H: 17 15/16 in. (455 mm); W: 11 1/2 in. (293 mm))
Medium: Spray enamel (several colors) on paper
Classification: Drawings
Credit Line: Gift of Marshall Field's, by exchange
Object number: 2002.22
Label Text:Throughout his career David Smith created hundreds of drawings. Some led to other works, such as sculptures, but more often the drawings were explorations in and of themselves. This particular spray drawing most likely came after he had finished the sculpture 2 Circle IV displayed nearby.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s David Smith moved away from traditional drawing methods and towards more innovative techniques of expression. One of the materials he had a fondness for was commercial spray enamel paint. It had a metallic quality that reflected his work in steel and provided him with a freedom not possible with a brush or pen. As with all the mediums that Smith used, he developed great control of this new process. By varying the layering of colors, the type of pressure on the valve, and the angle of the can, he created a variety of strong yet subtle effects of space, weight, and image. Several different colors of enamel are used in this particular drawing to give it added depth and richness.
In the late 1950s and early 1960s David Smith moved away from traditional drawing methods and towards more innovative techniques of expression. One of the materials he had a fondness for was commercial spray enamel paint. It had a metallic quality that reflected his work in steel and provided him with a freedom not possible with a brush or pen. As with all the mediums that Smith used, he developed great control of this new process. By varying the layering of colors, the type of pressure on the valve, and the angle of the can, he created a variety of strong yet subtle effects of space, weight, and image. Several different colors of enamel are used in this particular drawing to give it added depth and richness.
Description"This work was produced using canned commercial spray enamel, a product that became available in the mid-1950s. After some preliminary experimentation c. 1956-7, Smith adopted it, along with egg-ink, which he developed in the early 1950's, as his media of choice for works on paper."-(David Smith estate)
"This work was produced using canned commercial spray enamel, a product that became available in the mid-1950s. After some preliminary experimentation c. 1956-7, Smith adopted it, along with egg-ink, which he developed in the early 1950's, as his media of choice for works on paper."-(David Smith estate)
"This work was produced using canned commercial spray enamel, a product that became available in the mid-1950s. After some preliminary experimentation c. 1956-7, Smith adopted it, along with egg-ink, which he developed in the early 1950's, as his media of choice for works on paper."-(David Smith estate)
Not on view
In Collection(s)