Oil and Water

I have admired the films of Werner Herzog for more than forty years.  He is extremely bright and erudite -- a wonderful raconteur.   And he's made movies unlike any other. When I began drawing seriously in 2009, focusing on artists I admired, it was natural that he was among my first choices:

Werner Herzog
Graphite on paper
2009

And there can be no mention of Herzog's greatest films without his creative collaborator, the Klaus Kinski:

Kinski
Graphite on paper
2009

He was an actor of rare power and a character of such volcanic temperament that his on-set outbursts became the stuff of legend.  And his stormy relationship with Herzog (who, during the filming of Aguirre, the Wrath of God, threatened to shoot him) the director made the subject of his delightful documentary, My Best Fiend.

One of the extraordinary films Kinski and Herzog  made together -- it's my favorite -- was Nosferatu, the Vampyre.  It's a superb piece of directing, and Kinski is riveting as Count Dracula.  It inspired this drawing:

Several months ago, while reading Paul Cronin's excellent compilation of conversations with Herzog, Werner Herzog, A Guide for the Perplexed, I decided der Meister deserved another visit:

Encounter at the Edge of Darkness
Acrylic on canvas
2016

If you're unfamiliar with this singular filmmaker, I hope you jump in.  You will be richly rewarded.  If you know and love Herzog, as I do, perhaps this post will prod you to revisit some of you favorite films of his.

"This novel picks you up by the scruff of your neck and doesn't let you go until the final pages." VB, London 

"A powerful exploration of real-life horror and psychological turmoil."  JC, Illinois

"An exciting read!" JR, OH

Why not order your own copy now?  Read it . . . but leave the lights on!