Anthony's experience has been distilled into a simple approach applicable to any level of development. His method begins with rapid impressions of the pose (gesture) which are then subjected to a series of questions - action, character, proportion. This cycle refines and enriches the gesture. Eventually second and third image anatomy is identified with the line cycling between lost and found, dark and light until the figure emerges. Students are encouraged to copy proportional and anatomical drawings early on for reference.

By feeding the perception that informs gesture, Anthony's approach extends gesture through the entire drawing process - a revelatory concept.

Anthony has me building a sort of gestural sculpture, with wire and found items. I plan on having some articulation and incorporating the major truncations I've been learning from Frank. Meanwhile I continue to absorb and apply the Palumbo method, alternating between charcoal and the stylus.

Anthony wants me to move beyond conventional interpretations of the figure and innovate. He's expressed concern that I might place too much emphasis on the academic approach and get trapped. It's clear that he does not fully appreciate how fundamentally freaky I am. I know I can range beyond the known, that's cake. What's truly unconventional for me is to accept guides and consistently consider their suggestions. I am establishing an anatomical foundation so that I can accurately render what I imagine. Eventually the academic approach will just become more grist for the mill, another tool in my kit.

The Palumbo student show starts in February 2005 at the ASL gallery. I'll be pulling a few unconventional rabbits out of my hat between now (12/15) and then.