Introducing Michael Bergt

Wow...oh, wow what a technician! In an effort to tease out a list of my favorite artists from the classical period forward, an image by artist Michael Bergt appeared in the internet search and captured my attention and intrigue.

Michael Bergt is an incredibly gifted artist who specializes in drawing/capturing the human body. He mixes the classical approach to figurative drawing with a modern take. In this video, he talks about having tried to recreate Botticelli's 'Birth of Venus' by using a live model. It didn't work because the model couldn't contort her body into the position reminiscent of the classical painting. It was a moment when he realized the need to adjust the goal and work with the body in front of him...which altered his intention overall. He is a master of using line work to create definition and depth, and he has an excellent command of his mediums. Looking through his website, be aware you have to be comfortable looking at the nude body as well as at some unseemly or suggestive imagery.

This video of the artist and his work is interesting and well done. Because the video is hosted by Vimeo, the link is provided and should open in another tab.

See the video of Michael Bergt talking about his work

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Cay Denise

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