Cy Twombly and Lucien Freud

It's been a rough month for art - losing two wonderful painters, Cy Twombly and Lucien Freud. I saw Cy Twombly's work when the Art Institute of Chicago first opened it's modern wing and it was a fantastic show. Looking at paintings in person is fundamental to completely enjoying the work. One loses so much information from looking at an image on the computer which is the way most competitions decide on work. I stood in front of his paintings and marveled at the calligraphic nature and the layers of paint. I am not a fan of drips because they seem contrived but his did not seem so.


Cy Twombly in 2005






"Untitled" 2007







I love the way Lucien Freud portrayed his subjects. There was a rawness that was beautiful and disturbing at the same time. I often look at this work when i am working on portraiture.
Lucien Freud in 2010 - i must say he looked pretty damn good for being in his 80s.





And who could not resist commenting on this portrait of the Queen of England? Everyone had an opinion, most of it negative.