ArtsEtc.

Madison artist’s works relatable

Several pieces from Madison’s own “artist in residence,” Robert Schultz, are now on display in the Mayer Gallery at the Chazen Museum of Art in the exhibit Robert Schultz Drawings, 1990-2007. In this exhibit, Schultz expresses his mastery of sketching the human figure and conveying complex emotions using simple backgrounds and props. The main focus of Schultz’s pieces is the complexity and dynamics of human emotions and their physical effects on the body.

Schultz presents most of his figures — often nude — in contemplative or thoughtful poses. A few are focused on the sensual and romantic aspects of the human existence while others seem purely anatomical and more simplistic in nature.

Several patterns also link the pieces within the exhibit together. Often, the figures are pictured making a small, specific gesture or facial expression and somehow utilizing a rope, ladder, large sheet of fabric or other simple prop.

As it is explained in the exhibit, Schultz uses texture, gradient, highlight and shadowing techniques to bring his portraits to life. For example, instead of simply sketching a single line to represent a strand of human hair, Schultz uses highlights, shadowing and textures to create a more artistic representation of something we interpret as hair — a method unique to Schultz’s work. Most of these portraits were created using graphite or pencil, Schultz’s preferred medium; however, Schultz has recently been dabbling with silverpoint techniques as well.

Schultz attended the University of Wisconsin from 1971 to 1976 and later completed his graduate work at the university in 1981, earning a master’s degree in fine arts. He currently teaches two art classes — Drawing Fundamentals and Figure Drawing — at Madison Area Technical College. Still residing in the heart of Madison today, Schultz completes many of his drawings in his studio on State Street just above the Fair Trade Coffee House. Robert Schultz Drawings, 1990-2007 represents a culmination of Schultz’s distinctive artwork from the past two decades.

This highly anticipated exhibit is extremely unique, as most of the incorporated portraits were borrowed from personal art collections from around the country. Schultz’s keen eye for observing details has made his work extremely popular among collectors of fine art; therefore, locating his many notable works was not an easy task for the Chazen Museum of Art and the exhibit supporters. Additional collections of Schultz’s artistic compositions are currently featured in both the Printworks Gallery in Chicago and the Koplin Del Rio Gallery in Los Angeles.

This intriguing exhibit is now open to the community Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on weekends. Additionally, the Mayer Gallery will be hosting a special art demo event for the public Saturday, Sept. 27 at 1 p.m., and Schultz will demonstrate his unique artistic abilities and hold an informal talkback session during this demo event.

This intriguing compilation of Schultz’s masterful work will be on display at the Chazen Museum of Art until Nov. 16, 2008, and is free of charge to all patrons.