Fernando Botero Drawings and Watercolors

The drawings and watercolors handsomely illustrated in this volume provide a comprehensive overview of Fernando Botero's work in this media, which has seldom been reproduced. An introductory essay by Prof. Edward J. Sullivan of New York University, and biographical notes complete the catalogue and provide a framework for these superb but less well-known works by Botero. With consummate technical ability, this important twentieth century artist has revived the use of ancient materials: sanguine, charcoal, sepia pencil, wash and ink. Most of his drawings are executed on paper, sometimes on canvas, with great attention paid to the quality of the support. Botero uses a variety of drawing techniques. Some pieces are preparatory drawings for entire compositions - usually quick sketches of a drawing or sculpture - but the majority are independent works of art that rarely, if ever, repeat a composition the artist has executed in oils. Botero draws with affection. Each stroke of the pen or brush is applied with the knowledge that it will create another small but important part of the rich world populated by sensuous figures that has evolved throughout the years in the imagination of the artist. These drawings compel us to confront Botero's art and personality even more directly than in his paintings. In examining them with care, we are privileged to receive a glimpse into the creative mind and fertile imagination of this master. Looking at his drawings we can almost follow the genesis of the artist's ideas. It is as if we were seated at his side in intimate dialogue with him, watching his hand create the simulacra of his inner imagination.