Artwork
Study for a painting
Study for a painting is a drawing by Bernard Cohen. It dates from 1961 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This 1961 drawing by Bernard Cohen is an abstract composition executed in red and blue chalk on a light background, signed and dated by the artist.
Subject & Meaning
The work is non-representational, eschewing clear shapes or figures in favor of expressive, tangled strokes that explore the creation of movement through abstract mark-making.
Technique & Style
Characterized by overlapping, uneven lines of varying thickness and intensity, the drawing showcases a technique of rapid, repeated strokes, akin to scribbles, to build up color and convey dynamism.
History & Provenance
Created in 1961, the drawing bears Cohen's signature and date, though detailed provenance information is not provided.
Context
The piece reflects mid-20th-century abstract artistic explorations, with its layered line technique loosely related to cross-hatching, albeit here used for abstract expression rather than representational shading.
Legacy
As a study, this drawing provides insight into Cohen's experimental approach to abstract art, though its broader impact or exhibition history is not specified.
Artist & collection
Artist
Bernard Cohen (born 1933, London) is a British painter. He is regarded as one of the leading British abstract artists of his time.
