Driscoll's paintings continued in the tradition and sensibilities of great American realists such as Eakins and Henri. His work still quietly reminds us that the act of looking is still significant to understanding the role of natural surroundings.
Paintings were not rushed, but rather a methodical gradual building process. It began with preliminary composition and subject sketches, which allowed the artist to work out important visual elements and become more familiar with his subjects. For Driscoll, the taking the time to look and truly see the shapes, relationships, values and colors was essential to discovering and representing depth in the subject.
In his words,
"sometimes you have to agonize over the subject in order for it to be represented well."
Once Driscoll had worked out the visual elements in a series of charcoal and color studies, he embarked on the final piece. He began the final work with a monochromatic underpainting in raw umber. Then the under-painting was not still a rough sketch, but rather a very detailed base painting.
"By removing color from the equation, I am free to focus on shape structures and values."
Once Driscoll had worked out the visual elements in a series of charcoal and color studies, he embarked on the final piece. He began the final work with a monochromatic underpainting in raw umber. Then the under-painting was not still a rough sketch, but rather a very detailed base painting.
"By removing color from the equation, I am free to focus on shape structures and values."
Driscoll then expertly, and gradually, added color until he successfully pieced together a realistic representation.
Master Artist Driscoll admired the work of Diego Valazquez and John Singer Sargent for their ability to utilize subtle graduations of light and shade so as to convince the viewer's eye that their sitters indeed occupy the same three-dimensional space. Other artists who served as inspiration to Master Driscoll are: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and James McNeill Whistler.
Master Artist Driscoll admired the work of Diego Valazquez and John Singer Sargent for their ability to utilize subtle graduations of light and shade so as to convince the viewer's eye that their sitters indeed occupy the same three-dimensional space. Other artists who served as inspiration to Master Driscoll are: Rembrandt, Vermeer, Degas and James McNeill Whistler.
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