Nude sitting 1979

Hryhorii Havrylenko made this simple line drawing, ‘Nude Sitting’ on March 3rd, 1979, and you can see how the process is the point. It’s all about the stark contrast of black ink on white paper. Look closely and you’ll notice the lines aren’t just outlines; they're also shading, volume, and texture. The parallel lines in the background flatten the space like a screen print, which is kind of funny since it's all done by hand. I’m drawn to the way Havrylenko doesn't fuss over details. The lines are confident, direct, and maybe even a little awkward, but they capture the essence of the figure without getting bogged down in realism. The short, quick strokes around her torso suggest roundness, while the longer lines create a sense of depth. It’s this kind of unpretentious mark-making that reminds me of Guston's late work. Both share this immediacy and a willingness to embrace imperfection.