Norman Bean

Biography

Norman Bean's primary work is graphite on paper. Rather than simple sketches, his drawings tend to be complete compositions.
Everything that we see with our eyes, what our brains interpret as reality, is reflected light. The job of an artist is to make it look like there's light shining up from the scene drawn on the paper. Reflected light from the page engages the viewer's perception and recognition. With a play of contrasts, surface textures, implied reflected and absorbed light, shadows embedded with subtle images, and details hidden in plain sight, a work of art conveys images, emotions and messages. Playing perspectives against unusual lines of sight offer the viewer's eye an excuse to be drawn to vignettes of the plot. Well composed art captures the viewer's attention and motivates the eye around the page to narratives and focal points, and hopefully engages the mind and emotions. It's really all about how our minds interpret the light reflecting off the page.

Recent graphite and color pencil drawings include classic motorcycles, still life scenes, live figure drawing, Central Texas architecture and imaginary landscapes.