Finding Humor in Hubris

Larry Blizard has nothing against painting but at some point in his long career as an artist, working across many mediums, the 85-year-old observed that the drawings in his sketchbook seemed to contain a special quality that the paintings he was creating at the time, did not-a kind of vitality or intensity. "Gradually, I began to devote more effort to sketching, until drawing took over completely," he says. Drawing, he found, also calms his nerves. "I lose myself in the act of moving my pencil, bringing to life forms from my imagination, and the whole process becomes a kind of meditation."

- By Sarah Gianelli

1 Unemployed Rabbits, graphite, 30 x 22 in.

Blizard also feels that sketches provide more room for the viewer to interact with the work, and for his own pieces to interact with one another. "When I look at Rembrandt's Self-Portrait at the Frick Collection, or Velázquez's Las Meninas, at the Prado, they seem complete—there is nothing to be added," he explains. "On the other hand, when I see an artist's sketch or drawing there is an 'unfinished' quality, which allows me to share in the creative process. I know this sounds crazy, but it is the closest I can come to describing my experience. When spread out together, my work seems to form some sort of 'conversation.""

2 Matador, graphite, 19 x 22 in.

3 Men's Room, Grand Central, graphite, 30 x 27 in.