Untitled c. 1966

This untitled work was made by John Altoon using airbrush, ink, and pencil on paper. It's a great example of how industrial materials and processes can find their way into fine art. The airbrush gives the drawing a unique, ethereal quality. Think about how different this would look if it were rendered with traditional brushstrokes! The soft, diffused edges create a sense of movement and fluidity. The ink lines provide definition and contrast to the airbrushed areas. Notice how Altoon uses both media to create a dynamic composition. Altoon's choice of these media points to the growing influence of industrial techniques on artmaking. The airbrush, originally used for commercial illustration and automobile painting, allowed artists to achieve a smooth, even application of color, while the pencil and ink allowed precision and detailing. The amount of control required to make a piece like this is immense, and challenges the traditional hierarchy between fine art and commercial design. Appreciating the material choices and process helps us see the artwork with fresh eyes.