Gerhard Richter
- Feb 13
- 5 min read
Updated: Mar 31
A Portrait of The Artist Gerhard Richter
by Eric Buechel
Today's art often sparks intense debates among critics, artists, and the public, igniting discussions that delve into the very essence of creativity and expression. Many believe that contemporary art lacks the emotional depth and resonance that characterized earlier movements, leading to the perception that modern art will never achieve the same significance as past artistic eras. This perspective can be attributed to various factors, such as profound changes in artistic values, the commercialization of art, and the vast availability of information in today’s digital age, which can sometimes dilute the impact of individual works and make it challenging to discern authenticity in artistic expression.
Consequently, our cultural landscape can sometimes seem uninspired, lacking originality, and distant from the works of Victorian- and Salon-Era artists who poured their souls into every brushstroke and detail. The collective memory of those rich artistic traditions often casts a long shadow over contemporary practices, leaving many to yearn for the emotional connection that those earlier works evoked. I recall an art teacher from college trying to persuade me that Jackson Pollock was a genius when I asked, "What do you think motivated him to throw cheap hardware paint on a canvas?" He replied with one word: "Emotion". This single term encapsulated a myriad of ideas about the nature of art and the artist’s intent. Still, it also opened the door to a deeper inquiry into what we define as artistic merit.
That word, "Emotion," helped me grasp his perspective, even though I never fully agreed with it. It provided a lens through which I could attempt to understand his appreciation for Pollock's work, a viewpoint that diverges significantly from my own. While I respect the notion that art can be a visceral expression of feelings, I would never call Pollock's work emotional; rather, I perceive it as a lack of dedication to mastering the skills essential to true artistic beauty. To me, his paintings often seem like a hurried effort to finish the canvas, as if he were more focused on the act of creation itself than on cultivating a refined technique that would elevate his work to a higher standard of artistic achievement.
This sense of urgency suggests he was eager to finish so he could shift his attention to other pursuits, whether personal interests or the chaotic lifestyle that often accompanied his artistic endeavors. We all know what Pollock was more inclined to do—his life was marked by a tumultuous relationship with alcohol and a constant search for inspiration that, in my opinion, detracted from his artistic integrity and focus. I apologize for being critical of him. It is difficult to ignore the numerous distractions that seem to have plagued his career, overshadowing the potential for greater artistic exploration and mastery.
While I use him as an example, there are countless other artists throughout history I could easily mention whose works reflect a similar disregard for technical mastery in favor of raw conceptual expression. Artists who prioritize the initial spark of an idea over the painstaking process of refining their technique often create works that, while provocative, may lack the enduring quality that comes from a well-honed skill set. As both an artist and an art enthusiast, I am drawn to pieces that celebrate the harmony between concept and execution, where the idea is not merely a starting point but a foundation built on technical prowess. I am not compelled by art that emphasizes the initial idea at the expense of technical skill, as I firmly believe that true artistry lies in the delicate balance of both elements, where mastery of the craft amplifies emotional resonance.
This piece was created in admiration of Gerhard Richter's steadfast dedication and technical skill, which serve as a beacon of what can be achieved when an artist commits to their craft with both passion and precision. Richter exemplifies a commitment to mastering his craft, showcasing a deep understanding of the medium that elevates his work beyond simple emotional expression. His precise approach to painting, in which each brushstroke is intentional and every layer is carefully applied, aligns with my belief that technical expertise is essential to creating art that lasts and resonates across generations. I believe the beauty of art lies not only in its emotional impact but also in the artist's ability to convey that emotion through refined technique, creating a dialogue between the artist and the viewer that transcends time and trends.
In this project, I undertook a meticulous process of blending various mediums, specifically watercolor, gouache, and ink, to create a rich and textured artwork that captures the essence of the Renaissance era. The combination of these materials allowed me to explore a wide range of visual effects and depth in my piece. To apply the layers effectively, I used both an airbrush and a sable brush, each with its own advantages. The airbrush provided a smooth, even application of color, allowing for subtle gradients and soft transitions. At the same time, the sable brush, known for its fine point and ability to hold a large amount of water, enabled me to add intricate details and textures characteristic of the period.
To enhance the viscosity of the watercolor paint and improve its adhesion to the paper, I utilized gum arabic as a medium. This addition not only thickened the paint, allowing for more control during application, but also increased the colors' transparency and vibrancy, which is essential for achieving the luminous quality often seen in Renaissance artworks. The interplay of light and shadow, a hallmark of the era, was further emphasized through this technique.
When choosing the appropriate paper for this project, I gravitated toward high-quality options like Arches or Fabriano 140lb cold press. These papers are renowned for their ability to absorb water and pigment without warping, providing a sturdy foundation for my layered approach. For this piece, I opted for Arches paper, which has a distinctive texture that enhances the painting's tactile quality. Its cold-press surface allows for both fine detail work and broader washes, making it an ideal choice for the complex layering required in my composition.
In the artwork's background, my objective was to evoke the spirit of the Renaissance, a time marked by a revival of classical learning and a flourishing of artistic techniques. I aimed to incorporate elements that reflect the sophistication of artists from that era. One of them is chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to give the illusion of volume in painting. By carefully planning my background, I sought to create a harmonious backdrop that not only complements the foreground elements but also pays homage to the artistic innovations that defined the Renaissance.
In summary, this project was an exploration of technique and material, in which I blended watercolor, gouache, and ink using both an airbrush and a sable brush to create a layered, textured artwork. With the strategic use of gum arabic and the selection of Arches paper, I was able to achieve a depth and vibrancy that resonates with the artistic legacy of the Renaissance, ultimately enriching the viewer's experience and appreciation of this remarkable period in art history.
"One has to seek Beauty and Truth, Sir! As I always say to my pupils, you have to work to the finish. There's only one kind of painting. It is the painting that presents the eye with perfection, the beautiful and impeccable enamel you find in Veronese and Titian." William-Adolphe Bouguereau / Painter
P.O. Box 277
Pleasant Hill, Tennessee 38578
931-881-7806
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