Modern Figure-Drawings Highlight the Beauty of the Human Form

Where are we today in figurative art? That is one of the questions asked by Figural Constructs, an exhibit showacsing the artistic muse of the human figure with a contemporary bent. One of the featured artists, Margaretta Gilboy, takes a handful of innocence to her rendering of the “figure,” creating a few pieces depiciting two ebullient children, painted in thick, swimming brushtrokes. The chunky and vaguely Impressionist tones of the oil and watercolor paintings are juxtaposed by the more defined and detailed still life of an artist’s table. In For Prince, a table strewn with fabric, small delicate bowls, and most importantly, portraiture of expressive, movement-oriented figure models, are a subtle representation of "the figure."

[Gilboy is joined in the exhibition by](http://www.margarettagilboy.com/ target=) Jennifer Nerhbass, a contemporary artist and painter who is known for her series focusing on the eponymously-named, Cameo. Nerhbass’s contribution takes the form of multi-layered collages. “The collages ultimately provide a roadmap for the paintings’ compositions. It is a fluid process with the collected images at times acting as the source of inspiration, while in other instances the idea for the painting is the starting point and the images to express that idea are sought after,” states the exhibition's press release.

The centerpiece of Nerhbass’s portion of the exhibit is a large-scale painting of a woman lounging within a cavernous valley, surrounded by abstract patterns. The piece, The Snake in the Temple, can be seen below with the rest of Figural Constructs:

2016, oil on canvas, 16” x 12”

 2014, oil on canvas, 42” x 38”

2016, oil on canvas, 84”x 66”

Both Margaretta Gilboy and Jennifer Nerhbass’s works can be seen at Goodwin Fine Art Gallery in Denver. Find out more about the exhibit Figural Constructs, here, and learn more about Goodwin Fine Art events and showings, here.

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