Walter Sickert: Sketches of Life

Walter Sickert was a prolific artist known as the "father of modern British art." He was a skilled draughtsman who used his drawings as preparatory works for his paintings, capturing the intricacies of architecture, performance, and character. His drawings, stored in Tates collection and archive, serve as a record of his creative process and his engagement with the world around him.

Format: Hardback
Length: 48 pages
Publication date: 07 April 2022
Publisher: Tate Publishing

Walter Sickert, a renowned artist widely regarded as the "father of modern British art," believed that drawing was a crucial aspect of artistic expression. He emphasized that while anyone could paint, it took a skilled draughtsman to truly excel in the art of painting. Sickert's drawings showcased his exceptional talent and dedication to his craft. Throughout his career, he produced an extensive body of work, primarily through his drawings. These drawings served as valuable preparatory materials for his paintings, allowing him to explore and develop his ideas before committing them to canvas.

Sickert's sketches were drawn from a variety of sources, including nature, architecture, and the human figure. He had a keen eye for detail and a remarkable ability to capture the essence of his subjects. Whether he was depicting the intricate textures of a building or the dynamic movements of a performer, his drawings were characterized by a sense of realism and precision.

One of the remarkable aspects of Sickert's drawing practice was his dedication to revisiting the same locations multiple times. He would spend extended periods of time in a particular place, observing and studying its details. This meticulous approach allowed him to develop a deep understanding of his subjects and to capture their nuances and complexities. By repeatedly drawing the same scene or object, he was able to refine his ideas and improve his technique.

Sickert also played a significant role as a mentor and teacher to younger artists. He believed in the importance of preparatory drawings and attempted to impart this knowledge to his protégés. He encouraged them to use drawings as a means of exploring their ideas and developing their artistic style. Through his teachings, Sickert helped shape the course of art practice in Britain and influenced a generation of artists.

The drawings included in this publication provide a glimpse into the working practice of Walter Sickert. They showcase his exceptional talent as a draughtsman and his ability to capture the essence of his subjects. These drawings serve as a record of his creative process and his engagement with the world around him, both in Britain and abroad.

In conclusion, Walter Sickert's belief that drawing was a crucial aspect of artistic expression was well-founded. His exceptional talent as a draughtsman and his dedication to his craft allowed him to create a body of work that is both remarkable and influential. Through his drawings, he was able to explore and develop his ideas, refine his technique, and mentor and teach younger artists. The drawings included in this publication serve as a testament to his legacy and his contribution to the art world.

Weight: 240g
Dimension: 157 x 196 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781849768221