ATMOSPHERE

THE drawing which is reproduced on this page is undoubtedly an excel
lent piece of work. It admirably delineates the various characters; their modelling is superb ;
draughtsmanship is of a high order. And yet it omits something,
and such omission provides the theme for this leader.
When creating a subject, one of — if not the — most important elements which must be incorporated is the correct atmosphere. Without it, success real and complete cannot result. This statement is beyond dispute.
Now let us examine this drawing and its title. The title is Street Workers — Drilling. So let us go out into a street where drillers
are at work. What is the atmosphere in which they work? Noise, activity, vigorous
effort. Tbe drillers lean over the drills they hold, their bodies taking some of the strain of holding drills in position. The staccato
action of the drills keeps muscles taut, hands and arms are all atremble as the drill hammers its way at twelve strokes a second into the hard concrete.
Now look at the drawing. Of six drillers only two of the distant ones suggest
the correct atmosphere. The atmosphere of the drawing is peaceful and quiet — the very opposite of what existed at the moment the scene was fixed. The two large figures might almost be praying — so quiet and peaceful do they stand.
And so, good though the drawing is in everything else, it fails. Had the atmo
sphere in which the workers worked been sufficiently considered, we should almost hear the rat-tat-tat of the drills, whereas we feel only quietude.
Here is a lesson — and a valuable one. Look for character by all means, draw your figures so that they live, compose them with ability and judgment; but never forget the atmosphere in which they are placed.
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Manuscripts, drawings and paintings submitted must be accompanied by return postage. While every care will be taken of them, the Editor cannot hold himself responsible for their loss or damage. Street Workers — Drilling
(Exhibited at the A rcher Gallery)
By W. durac Barnett