A Figurative Artist\u27s Move toward Formalism

The primary purpose of the works in my thesis exhibition was to develop conceptual and technical skills which would assist the evolution of my artistic expression away from realistic, detailed figurative work toward a more formal means of expression without deserting a primary interest of working with the human form. I believe the human form, whether realistically depicted or highly stylized or abstracted, to be an effective medium for expressing emotional content. The intent of this paper is to provide documentation and scholarly discussion of issues related to the thesis works