Untitled (10.11.04) 2004

This small sketchbook drawing was made by Frank Lobdell on the 10th of November 2004, probably with colored pencils or crayons. The overall impression is of a vibrant orange ground, punctuated by purple, green, and yellow lines that create a loose, geometric abstraction. I imagine Lobdell sitting with his sketchbook, letting his hand wander, building up layers of color and form with a playful attitude. I wonder, was this a doodle, or a study for something bigger? I am drawn to the purple, toothy shape floating in the center. Its jagged edges are so graphic and bold, but there is also a vulnerability in the way it is encased by the other forms. The single line connecting the shape to the top left corner is pure energy! Lobdell’s work reminds me of other artists who embrace the immediacy of the drawn line, like Cy Twombly or even Louise Bourgeois. Artists are constantly responding to each other across generations, and it’s exciting to see how Lobdell contributes to that conversation!