To the Studios 1980 — Fine Art

To the Studios 1980 by Frank Auerbach shows a built up layer of paint and pencil marks. The surface reads dark and heavy, with scraped lines sitting on top of a dense ground. The marks push forward and then pull back, so the picture feels worked rather than flat.

The frame has a clear edge around the image, and you can pick white, wood, dark wood or black to set the tone. On this picture the frame finish changes how the dark marks sit at the edge, and the fine art print keeps the surface matte so the greys stay even.

In a study over the desk the thick marks come into view from close range. From the doorway the dark shapes hold together against the lighter ground. The frame edge keeps the sheet tidy on that wall.