Jenny Saville

This work is about her experiences in motherhood taking inspiration from masterpieces such as Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and John the Baptist' sometimes called 'The Burlington House Cartoon'

Reproduction drawing I (after the Leonardo cartoon), 2009-2010

Pencil on paper

89 1/8 x 69 1/2 inches

Multiple impressions of each figure are drawn, erased and superimposed again. The relationship between them is expressed in a series of dynamic poses showing the struggling movements of her child and her trying to control them.

Leonardo da Vinci’s 'The Virgin and Child with St. Anne and John the Baptist'

Drawing Conference

Camera Lucida III: from drawing to drawing
Venue: Sainsbury Wing Theatre, The National Gallery, London
10am - 16:30pm

The conference explored how individuals, both in and outside art, use drawing. The discussion covered fine art and design, sound, architectural theory, medicine, mathematics and plant biology, creating a strong case for drawing as an essential component of complex, visual thinking.

The discussion made me appreciate and open up to others knowledge of drawing in a variety of situations. I found the discussion with Ali Mawle and Colin Wiggins to be inspirational. They talked about the work of Frank Auerbach, in particular, his drawings that are displayed in The National Galleries Cafe. They are drawings of artwork displayed around the National Gallery using materials such as oil pastel, felt pen, pens, pencils and coloured pencils, charcoal, ink. I felt I could relate to his drawings by his use of materials. I had already known about Frank Auerbach because I saw one of his self-portraits in the National Portrait Gallery earlier in the year which is what I think inspired me to do my self-portrait.

Drawing of 'Veronese's consecration of st. nicholas'

Drawing of 'Canaletto's stonemason's yard'

I had already known about Frank Auerbach because I saw one of his self-portraits in the National Portrait Gallery earlier in the year which is what I think inspired me to do my self-portrait.

I feel like my work started to progress further after my self-portrait and after my experience at the drawing conference because I think they both gave me more confidence in my passion for drawing.