Bern Series
Robert Natkin
Description
Subject Matter:
Robert Natkin's greatist artistic influence was Paul Klee. Natkin's Bern series was inspired by his 1977 trip to Bern, Switzerland, where he spent time at the Paul Klee Foundation. He was particularly drawn to that artist’s virtuosity with color, light, and surface. In his and Klee's work, forms are scattered across the surface and usually embedded beneath soft, modulated veils of light and texture. Natkin often used textiles, such as netting, to create texture in his paintings, and it appears that he used that technique in this work.
In 1945, at 14 or 15 years old, Natkin decided he wanted to become an artist. In 1948 he began studying at the Art School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Natkin was influenced by Post-Impressionist paintings and Abstract Expressionism (specifically William de Kooning) as well as Paul Klee.
Physical Description:
This abstract drawing looks like it is on a golden yellow paper with washes of soft colors such as light pink, red, green, and blue. The washes have a texture like netting, and there are various shapes in the drawing such as a C, a circle, and a squiggle.
Usage Rights:
If you are interested in using an image for a publication, please visit https://umma.umich.edu/request-image/ for more information and to fill out the online Image Rights and Reproductions Request Form.