Dissolving Tendril Of Smoke

Best in Large View

This is a linear abstraction by Mark Sheinkman on exhibit in a public space in downtown Grand Rapids. Like Jackson Pollack he explores the process of drawing in space. But, unlike Pollack his process relies on eliminating tone by erasing - removing a dark overlay to reveal a lighter tone.

He applies a layer of oil mixed with alkyd to a linen surface. Once a smooth white layer is built up, he applies powdered graphite to the ground with brushes and rags. He then erases the graphite, creating a a dense web of lines suspended in space that seems to emerge mysteriously from the depth - ephemeral and richly layered.

Taking a break from color today - and this is about as monochrome as you can get.