Classical Study (After Michelangelo)
Mark Vallen 1971
Pencil on paper 8 x 11

Here's what the artist said about this sketch:

"At seventeen I traveled to Europe with my parents in 1971 and was fortunate to visit London, Paris, Madrid, Rome, Venice, and Florence. Of course I spent most of my time in the great museums, from the Louvre to the Prado. I brought sketchbooks with me and spent hours reproducing classical statues. My trip to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel was especially moving, not for any religious reason, but purely for the overwhelming nature of the artworks created by hundreds of renaissance artists. I went into shock seeing Michelangelo's vaulted ceiling mural at the Sistine Chapel, and furiously made a number of sketches on the spot, one of which is presented on this page. For years prior to, and after my European trip, I approached sketching from life with exacting discipline. I literally drew everything before me. I still consider this the best way for an artist to expand and deepen his or her skills."