Dare to be Lousy!
Artist’s sketchbook cover ups, scratch outs demolished pages, and paint overs.
Throughout the centuries, artists have utilized a variety of methods to rework their original artwork. From paint overs and cover ups, to scratch outs and demolished pages, these techniques can be found in works by some of the most renowned painters and illustrators in history. In this post, we will explore the history of artists utilizing these techniques in their artwork, including the motivations behind them and the impact they have had in the art world.
This combination of photographs shows an X-ray of Vincent Van Gogh's "Two Wrestlers" (L) and his "Still life with meadow flowers and roses." (via Kröller-Müller Museum)
The practice of paint overs and cover ups has been around for centuries. In the Middle Ages, artists used to cover their old works with a new painting, often with a religious theme. This was seen as a sign of respect and reverence for the subject, and was used to create a more unified work. Paint overs were also used to “refresh” old works and to hide mistakes. In the 17th century, Dutch painter Rembrandt van Rijn famously covered up a self-portrait, which was later discovered and restored. Even his Famous Night Watch was discovered to have several layers of changes as Rembrandt advanced through creation.
Another technique used by artists throughout history is known as a scratch out. This is where an artist scrapes or scratches away their own work, either to create a new piece or to start over. Scratch outs were especially popular among impressionist painters, such as Monet and Degas, who often used the technique to refine the composition of their work.
Claude Monet, Vase of Flowers, 1881-2, Oil on canvas. Courtesy the Courtauld Gallery
Finally, the practice of demolished pages can be traced back to the 19th century. This is when artists would tear up their work in frustration, often displaying the torn pieces alongside the original work. The practice quickly became popular in the art world, with many artists using it to demonstrate the power of destruction and chaos. Gerhard Richter stated “Cutting up the paintings was always an act of liberation,” the artist told Der Spiegel in 2012. He is thought to have taken a boxcutter and fire to around 60 paintings from this transitional period in his career. Fortunately for those interested in his development as an artist, he was nervous enough about this destruction to photograph many of the works beforehand, prints that still exist in archives today.
Gerhard Richter, studio wall with works by Gerhard Richter during the semester tour, February 1962. © Gerhard Richter 2020. Photo by Gerhard Richter. Courtesy of the artist and the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
