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1nimra — Through The Iris II
Published: 2012-11-22 18:30:23 +0000 UTC; Views: 21591; Favourites: 1208; Downloads: 0
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Through The Iris II (LD Butcher)Pencil on Arches Paper
Why another eye? God there are many reasons..
I just love to draw them and I go back to them after each major work, it’s a bit like cleaning my pallet-my mind from one project to the next, it also let me know that I’m improving as an observer and draughtsman. My interest is the aging skin and the breadth of textures on the human face giving hints to a life lived.
Also I am drawing three eyes for a very important series of exhibits in 2013, this is the first of the three all are 16” x 16” which is very large. They will also answer a host of questions on drawing in this kind of scale for my plan is to draw a 72”x 72” face.
I used forty reference photos and a mirror to draw this image taking about 200 hours, although the time element is overrated, it takes what it takes. Thank you to Mr. Larry Butcher for agreeing to let me age you a bit.
Award winner “Through the Iris II” -Youngman Memorial Award Best in Drawing. Muskegon Art Museum all state juried exhibition.
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Thanks for looking
Armin Mersmann
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Comments: 155
Spectacular work of course, Mr. Mersmann!
I was wondering, for layering and blending the skin tones, which tool do you use? A tortillon, stump, or perhaps you use powdered granite and blend with a brush?
Thanks!
Edward
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............................stunned................................
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The amount of detail you manage to put into your drawings is simply breathtaking. 
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As always, a fantastic piece. The glaze and detail of the eye are mesmerising.
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I know so many different artists it's hard to keep track and make time to adequately study or just enjoy their works. Especially since my own illustration takes so much time and that's first priority. Glad to make time to see yours too...
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looks like you put a lot into your work, great job!
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Great observation and rendering; like the concept. You must enjoy the work of Chuck Close. He's brilliant!
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i do....and many others, thanks!
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I love it.
Those white hairs...razor blade? That technique sometimes scares me, because it can accidentally tear my board. I can be a bit heavy-handed sometimes.
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no i just leave the white of the paper, scratching or indentation look terrible and one dimensional, no short cut im afraid
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Cool. It takes crazy patience to leave the white areas alone...but then again, if you're planning on spending, like, 100+ hrs on something, why not just take that extra step? 
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Woah. I'm not nearly this good yet. That's awesome. ( )
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Why another eye?
Why not? They show the character, they reflect the experiences, they convey so many emotions, they are the window to the soul!
Your eye drawings show so much. In particular, they show your enthusiasm for drawing them in the first place.
Though the time element may be overrated, it shows aspiring artists that ninety minutes is not a long time to spend on their work...that work is still work, and a commitment of time is needed if one is to give their skills time and room to grow.
And it's a beautiful piece of work!
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Armin... You know with me; first the technical bullshit, then the compliments or you get spoiled 
Technically not your strongest... I know you're a master at captivating natural lightfall and reflection which I still believe it is your zweihander to slash with. Mostly you manage the reflections to melt in the eye, but here it is like it is a little too distinctive: I miss a little subtlety and local toneplay...
Now to have that down it is time to be nice, that is, if I still got your attention 
Happy new year! That is one...
I usually hate eye-drawings; there are so many of them and always with that dull gaze and a set point for technical masturbation (yeah it is your quote and blabla I know...) ; it is not refreshing and unique most of times...Why I still faved it? Because this one is (dead give-away). But why then... If you are this far, better read it out, cause here comes the beauty part...
I think this is one of best expressions on a single subject drawing so far. Normally, your works are originally great, respectable, enjoyable and technical intimidating, but rarely don't move me emotionally very much; as you render 'the touch'. But this one I felt really good and I mean REALLY good! What I feel here Armin, is a fathers disappointment over years...and fuck I'm having tears while writing this down, cause you have me there with this drawing. It triggers a whole lot emotions for me and flashbacks it is as if I'm looking at my own father after hard argues...and believe me, as for my part I have thrown some foul shit at him, he was angry, shouting hurtful things and pointing on his chin I should hit him...but I never forget that look of disappointment and fear. Later I came to my awful realization in what state I was...and what it done to him. It is that same look you've drawn here. For my sake that obliterates the technical critic-points aspect.
Now if you were worried of not beïng an artist that really moves people...and NOT having 'the touch' in your work; then this is the time to start believing it Armin and if not then before you're gone! If you were afraid to NOT trigger a viewers imagination of pull them in a trip, then know you have now...
Happy new year...
Mike
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Interesting points. this drawing gets the gamut of feelings for some reason-some like it some don't. there is a problem with this for the size of it reproduced smaller on a monitor makes it almost too detailed and your lose subtleties believe me i tried to reproduce it, i cant but this is what you see, no excuses from me can change that. Yet it seems to transcends its "shortcomings".
im in my second of a series called thought the Iris so im doing two more. im not sure if ill ever do a full face and background again for me, Ive lost interest in that, i like these huge detailed sections. there is a lot of stuff done "to much" on DA eyes, faces just being a few, but if i don't think i could better myself i wouldn't do it. will i always top the last? probably not but i will give it all at all times. When i completed through the Iris one, the next one (this one) my emphasis was on a much darker background with a lot of light on the iris, what i set out to to worked, is it "better" then the others? that's the viewers call not mine. technical masturbation please...that has nothing to do with this or any of my drawings, as you know Mike.
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You misinterpreted that last one. I say 'technical masturbation' as you see as much overly realistic eye-drawings as much as celeb-drawings without content; in that context you have distinguished yourself, that is IMHO, but at least one. Thought you considered this as a compliment...apparently not.
A layman can see if you are genuine interested creating eyes, and not because most people find it an interesting subject, but it is truly your choice. Draw what you desire, not what others like. Like you've said: give it always your best shot...unconditionally. I'm not wasting energy if it is going to be my best or not or if other may like it or not; it only leads to self-intimidation and that is pointless energy.
"Some may like it, some not". There are always contents and malcontents; you can't have it all...their problem! Everyone will always find something of you anyway. If that never gets me viewers...pffff...I still draw. Maybe I like this one better of yours, then that is mere opinion and taste; you and you alone can decide if it was a success or not.
As for me...I'm not wasting my time feeling attacked by crits for the sake of... You know, ironically, that is exactly the taste I'm getting from you looking upon me like that everytime I say something on your works. Why? I don't know... but don't, ok? Because it is not going anywhere and it is not contributive...I just give a good look and I see things and wonder "Is Armin aware of this? If not, then I was of help and I'm glad to be of help" and write my share as a viewer. Do whatever you want with it. Not that you need help, but admit I'm at least familiar with your gallery and I take my time to watch it with attention... Or would you rather have me say: "Great stunning artwork Armin, you're my inspiration"? - case closed! Forget it...I'm just not like that.
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Mike
No I admire that you speak frankly, Reinhard had the same opinion of this drawing. The 'Technical masturbation' comment was just for others that read this im well beyond the “geee dude this looks like a photo” thing, i take it as a compliment but it’s not what I am after, I am after what this made you feel like, it took you down memory lane. My work needs to start the viewer imagination and with realism that’s much harder to pull off than surrealism or abstraction IMHO
What bothers me about this drawing is I can’t seem capture it with a photo, most of my work is represented quiet well this one does not “feel” like the original, it looks like it but something is not at work between the copy and original and its deeper than what one sees, its not about the skin is too harsh or the eyes is crooked or the hair look flat none of that but if it doesn’t represent the original then it’s a problem, for today we see copies 99% of the time and not the real thing. It’s even worse when the copy looks better than the real thing.
As far as crits go, I can take it be assured but I know what I do and what I’m after and when I don’t agree I too will state my opinion.
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I think I understand...or at least I think I do. I'm sorry i take the long road but I cannot simplify this without a thorough explanation...
Realism is direct and takes away by its power: the convincing factor or as some people call it the WOW-factor. Realism has this power to be convincing and that 'blocks'/distracts viewers to get beyond exploring, because they are (an particularly at your technical level) already too occupied enjoying the technical part. People get accustomed by your skills so this one might go noticed. The higher the skill, the less chance people will go searching beyond. If it is not so qualitative high, then people tend to search for the unseen, because they try to hunt down the biggest beefstake part of the meal. your technique is at such level it is standing on its own and very intimidating, so that blocks... luckily I can have a sober mind, but it is not easy to look different. Sketching is based upon that reversal trick so is surreal/abstract. Likely they don't care too much what they do, they feel they should draw it that way; it is much more liberating. But most of surreal is qualitative not very convincing and abstract is "balanced blurry" that leaves room for shapes that looks like, or that looks like something complete different, yet with the same type of morph; no wonder it evokes an imagination, because people WANT to see something logical in it. Note the desire from both artist and viewer. It is proven the human brain acts that way. I quote because it is not a blurry but natural and well thought out; it is like the ink test: some see the black shapes, some see something in the white shapes.
Maybe, just maybe you worry too much about this and lay too much weight and difficulty on the fact you HAVE-TO achieve it throughout realism. Every cornerstone of art has its weakness and strong points. Artistic reach in realism is rather rare and if that is not the case (maybe in my case perhaps) it is not convincing or convincing real. In regards to your reply I wonder... Why don't you take a subject and pull its convincing realism into abstract/surreal or anything that is more "fantasy rich"? A man with your skills and 50 years of XP can easily pull that off. And take your time to answer that one.
Knowing your work, and your struggles with your remarks such as "I'm a good drawer, but I do not have the touch, all I can hope I will someday". Why is it so important to be that? Makes you then only an artist all a sudden?!? Why don't you do who you are? Draw eyes if you like that! This one has some mighty good emotion! The output itself can have a spectra too. Like you have artistic range, technique, vision, mood, emotion, originality. Name me one work that has it all on top-level... Your aim here was to evoke viewers to trip own imagined stories. For me it have another outcome, yet, not any less powerful and that is something important to know. Would I haven't had an experience reminding me by this drawing, then I would search something different and i might have discovered it what you were after; this is very different pro-viewer. As egoïstic as I am, I don't care about that goal, i enjoy it in my own way; for me it has a different meaning than for example Reinhard. Wouldn't you unleash that subjectivity, then likely we all were the same or your art didn't have any content at all which I strongly refuse to believe that this is true!
And as far as your work resembling the original. For me as a viewer it is convincing enough and things are seen through an artist eye, meaning it blends in (sometimes unwanted) with who you truly are. I don't like to have a detail pitch in my drawings, I would rather draw like Kamilsmala or Xiaocaca, but I don't feel complete in it if i don't. I know I have to accept this otherwise my drawings are going to look very forced and it ends on improving technique over technique, which will be my only supply to get beyond that problem. It is called artistic impression. You as no other knows that if i would have your reference I would come up with an entire different eye (excluding the technical part) with a different essence and a different impact. Sometimes i hate ingredients I've added, but I also learned to wait until the bigger picture is complete. Your subconsciousness plays with you very much for that matter and I believe that those other two eyes in your project has to forfill a part, so you can see what this 2nd drawing really has to offer. And believe me you already know, but you're just not aware. That is my guess, but then again, I'm not you. And I think you underestimate yourself cause there are undoubtedly more artist that actually takes that road of imagination; even with this drawing and it requires less energy than you might think 
I have one final question: can you show me an example work that has that "pull" through realism, the way you want it to see it?
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The Simplicity of Silence has the unexpected view of something very few people would ever look at, its at once very realistic yet abstract, its complex yet a very simple place. The light bulb/eye drawings are a great narrative most of my works have reached some kind of goal that I set for myself, yet they all could have been done better. I have had total failures but very few of them, if I lean from them they are a success.
When I talk about the original here what I am saying is the original drawing feels different then the posted image. My references I don’t give a crap about those are just a map anyway I deeply feel the need to reinvent them and not copy a photo or indeed many photos.
I would eventually like to go to a place where I draw areas of the human body in the way I have with the trees, I’m not hung up on eyes but it is the rung of the ladder that will take me to the next step. There will be more at least two of them but will one be “better’ then the next? Only if I set a goal and change for each and meet that expectation, I have here but that doesn’t mean its better or worse than others just a different guide line, a different emotions. To the viewer they might like it less or more or just hate the whole idea and that’s fine and understandable. I don’t want to be known as the guy who draws eyes, that limiting thought that what I draw right now and for the next few months, so I better find growth in my artistic vision. One thing the yes give be is a huge amount of textures and feelings (science and art) intertwined that challenges me to, see and to reinvent. A nose or an ear, would not to that, a mouth maybe, a vagina ...yup for sure- but the shock value isn’t worth it.
"I'm a good drawer, but I do not have the touch, all I can hope I will someday" I said that? Most of been drinking if did. I am a good drawer (draughtsman) but I keep chasing that one great drawing, sometimes I feel I get close most of the time it’s a struggle. I have no time modesty, art is not only a passion but a business, the whole “oh shucks” crap is for armatures. At the same time I have a lot to learn, I have a lot to try but not go and do a whole other “ism” that’s not for me, ive tried it and it doesn’t work well and keeps me from getting better in my chosen little area of expertise.
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Well, I'm not sure you did say it literally, but it came down on the same thing, otherwise I wouldn't have this impression of you. Maybe that is my problem... It was about a year ago or so and in combi with something you've said to another person in your "fear"-drawing. It was about something you've said you consider yourself not an artist and when do you consider someone as an artist. Then I saw some posts you've made about 'the touch', saying you don't move people that way and hoping you did some day. Maybe i misunderstood or you didn't remember, but that is irrelevant and I'm not trying to track that down either. I mean it has no further influence on what we talk about here.
I understand what you're trying to say about hunting down your artistic range development and the way how to get it crossed over. Don't get me wrong, because I really try to understand you. What i was trying to say is that you can't force all the viewers to imagine to meet your goal, but maybe again I'm missing the point, but that is what I get from your replies and general posts. And I'm trying to manipulate from the base references as well for same reasons. My suggestive question was not to try an entire different cornerstone of art or ism, but to hybrid your work and stretch it to...grow your area bigger from the center instead of conquering a new area. Draw what you truly desire, challenge yourself...Whatever the outcome as long as you communicate in it... But if you think it was "different" instead of "failed" like you had with that fear-drawing of yours; then that is a celebration as well. Unexpected perhaps, but nonetheless useful. You've caught me with it so that score is 1 or bigger at least. The fuck i know what art is? I don't have 50 years of experience, nor am I a teacher, draw 50 hours per week; I'm mere stupid and auti instead of arti...but what I am is very sincere and honest to myself and the little time granted me to do my art; I try to liberate myself in a way I normally can't communicate in. To do that I have to be who I really am, eventhough my conscious doesn't like that I haven't made my settings I wanted to achieve; apparently I can't force something I'm not. I cannot sketch, my heart wants it badly, but I'm just not pulling that off cause it is not within me as a person. Ironically I get alot respect like you in reallife like "I wish i could do that". I don't see what others see in my writing either". I just dumbway WANT it and I search in my eyes the best way with the proper arsenal of tools I'm provided with. Sometimes that means i draw something that is absolutely not my territory, in order to grant me another perspective and to get familiar by other positive points in other "isms". I watch a lot and talk a lot to get a good estimation on where to start... And I enjoy that search too!
What is that one great drawing then? How do you see that in front of you? And why don't you try it or train? For my part I have that clear in front of me what I want to output. I've attempted it once and came to the conclusion I need to work on parts....Apparently it needed serious drawing-preshots instead of sketching which I usually use to explore before I dig in. But I know one thing for sure: I'm attempting this again before I die...cause then all chances have gone! Maybe it is not fullfletched the way i wanted it, but it will be the closest call I can get my tiny tangles on. Fuck that is life: I wanted to live in a nice cottage with my wife and family, and spent at least 8 hours per day on drawing plus I'm a sloppy 20 years too late; so I can never get that much XP as you do...but I'm glad I have at least a little time available...I could be blind, or loose my hands while some idiot throws fireworks at me at newyears eve... So I'm grateful.
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Well then Mike it’s what it is, I don’t know what that grand work will be, all I know with every piece I think it will reach that pentacle but alas I’m disappointed once again just to be refreshed and wide eyes and hopeful. As long as I can hold a fucking pencil and can see, feel and dream I will draw and strive for that masterpiece, when at last I’m in an urn those who love me will know I kicked ass and gave it my all, even if that grand goal was not achieved. If I’m lucky and that art Gods smile on me I have thirty years left, and I sure did a lot in the previous thirty so who knows I might have it in me….so onward to my drawing and once again ride the drafting stool to the wee hours…have a great new year my friend
Armin
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You must have the patience of a Buddhist monk. To look at a drawing and see the root of a hair is mind bending. And I would think that being so close up and detailed it would almost look grotesque. That's not the case at all though. The skin glows beautifully and shows all the things that make us human.
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that is a challenge for sure, is mostly about sfumato -soft edges that keeps it natural
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Another stunning piece Armin. Fantastic work! The glaze on the eye is so smooth looking. Unbelievable.
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How is the portrait coming along Armin? very excited to see!
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i still have to do the other two eye drawings for a show coming up so the full face will be started after that, looking at April possibly and it should take about a year to do..thanks
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Good luck -- looking forward to seeing the results.
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I love drawing eyes and do it all the time. Then I get to the mouth and then the face but always starts with a few sets of eyes. Your skin work is amazing! Thank you for sharing
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i do love eyes but after the three im drawing, i need to to whole face, i miss the mouth and teeth love drawing them...Ears not so much, quite ugly really 
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Armin, I really admire your work, and take that as inspiration, you're the king of the pencil, without a shadow of doubt. I wonder (if you want to talk about) what technique you use to make the skin, the skin shade, I'll kill myself all day just to try to play an inch of its design and nothing comes out good, please help me, I'll be very grateful. And sorry for my english, I do not speak English so I'm translating everything by google.
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Felipe thank you, i wish i could easily explain the technique but mostly its many layers drawn in small circles until they are no longer noticeable.
Armin
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Armin, thank you for responding, and the way you do that seems too much to take and complete a drawing. Man, I'd love to see at least one of his works, is honestly one of my biggest dreams, if not the greatest. Here in my country there are not many artists who distacam and talented just like you or even know you would be a great achievement in my life
My congratulations keep this way!
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Felipe thank you so much i hope as well that you can see this work, possibly in a how in Brazil I would love to come to the world cup but i have to cheer for Germany though i hope you forgive me!
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Armin Ok, thanks for replying, I know that if I have any questions I can count on you, a big hug, master Armin.
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Armin Ok, thanks for replying, if I have any questions, I contact you.
master Armin.
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