Drawing the human form is one thing but to be able to infuse the image with a sense of humanity is something else. To give the subject a ‘personality’, so to speak, demands more from the artist than just the ability to replicate the figure. Perhaps that's why its called Life Drawing. There is no doubt that Esther Erlich understands this as her ladies are so full of life some even seem to move, or shift their pose.
As we run our eyes over the surfaces of these life-size, life-like painted ladies, they return our gaze. Some look back at us demurely, others daringly, a few through glasses, and one with open mouthed laughter as she leans back against the vertical edge of the canvas. Erlich's figures are drawn in the most engaging manner. Faces are well defined and expressive while torsos are depicted with a collection of calligraphic contour lines in charcoal and colour washes that hardly conceal the body. A few have exaggerated body parts to remind the viewer that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, while all have a sense of confidence.
These images play with the imagination as we attempt to interpret what the subjects are saying with their eyes and body language. Perhaps the blond in Hindsight, with her ultra curvy legs supporting buxom buttocks, is telling us she's proud of her assets. And the two figures in A Couple, who clasp hands and mirror each other so they appear to merge into one entity, are telling us they are bound together for life.
Although you'll find yourself focusing on interpreting what these ladies are saying with their eyes and body language, it's worth making the effort to tear yourself away from the picture and look at the painting. There's another level of visual satisfaction to be had here as Erlich manipulates the medium in transparent washes and opaque layers of colour in combinations that sing. Consider the variety of mark making in Basic Black or that wedge of orange hair against a solid blue ground in Décolletage and the rich surface of Profile. These are all, in their own way, luscious works of art.
Do go and meet these lovely ladies, enjoy their company and appreciate anew the joy life drawing thanks to an accomplished artist.