Empathy is partly defined as the capacity to participate in an other's feelings. An artist who can draw the figure convincingly and chooses the telling gesture, can help us empathize with his subjects, and create a memorable impression. For some examples I have singled out Robert Gwathmey, an artist from North Carolina. This work is titled "End of Day," and is self explanatory. The viewer can poignantly "feel" the weight of the lumber because of the accuracy of the drawing of the foreground figure. Note that the planks are sagging at the ends from their own weight and the man's right arm hangs wearily straight down, with a large heavy hand at the end of it, like a pendulum.
Another forceful piece of artistry is this painting titled "Hoeing." Gwathmey felt that his paintings shouldn't need a lot of talking about; he was taciturn when it came to his own work. The main figure in this next painting is so eloquent that no further commentary is necessary.
It is worthwhile to anyone interested in expressive drawing to study the work of Robert Gwathmey.
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