Head of an Old Man - Trainer 1963

Donald Carlisle Greason made this drawing, Head of an Old Man - Trainer, using ink and graphite on paper. The artist’s focus on the interplay of light and shadow reveals the subject’s aging features in stark detail, with fluid ink washes capturing the depth of the face. The economical use of line and shade suggests a process of spontaneous creation, a direct translation of observation to paper. The title's mention of a "trainer" hints at the man's profession, and Greason skillfully uses the medium to convey the essence of hard work, labor, and lived experience. This raises interesting questions about the relationship between representation and lived experience. The seemingly straightforward materials employed and the rapid execution of the drawing belie its complexity, reminding us that even the simplest artistic means can convey profound insights. Recognizing the artist's chosen materials and methods encourages us to rethink the art historical canon, and it's hierarchies of value.