‘This volume reproduces in exact size twenty-four charcoal drawings, which were executed by de Kooning in 1966. This is a unique and invaluable record of the extraordinary draftsmanship of one of America's leading artists. These facsimiles of his figure drawings were produced with unusual care and fidelity to the originals.’
De Kooning notes on the final page: ‘I am the source of a rumor concerning these drawings, and it is true that I made them with closed eyes.
Also, the pad I used was always held horizontally. The drawings often started by the feet ... but more often by the center of the body, in the middle of the page.
There is nothing special about this, I admit, and I am certain that many artists have found similar ways ... but I found that closing the eyes was very helpful to me.
Many drawings were made this way, and it was suggested to make this book.
I was very pleased with the idea and these 24 drawings were selected.
