Beauty to Embrace in an Afternoon Volume 4: The Figurative Art of C. Sperry Andrews III

This book presents a selection of figurative works created by my father between 1960 and 1990. The life drawings, all of which are studies from nude models, are organized by medium. In the figurative and portrait chapters, works in different media are shown together rather than sorted by medium.While my father was primarily known as a landscape painter rather than a figurative artist (see Volumes 1-3), he studied life drawing at the Art Students League both before and after World War II. Most of the life drawings reproduced here were created at the former Wooster Community Art Center, the Silvermine Guild of Artists or Weir Farm National Historical Park. Because many of these pieces were studies or exercises rather than finished works, the majority were never publicly exhibited. "The Making of a Drawing" illustrates his process, which could culminate in a finished sketch, a watercolor, or an oil on canvas.The title is inspired by a letter he wrote in 1958, which is transcribed on page seven. My goal has been to honor his work, preserve his legacy, and make his art accessible again, as much of it has remained out of public view. My lack of formal artistic training may have influenced my editorial decisions in ways that I hope align with his achievements.To introduce his work to readers unfamiliar with him, I have included a closing section drawn from his personal archives-notes, diaries, and letters-as well as remembrances shared at his memorial service. Citations distinguish between these sources: eulogies are attributed by the author, while personal documents (notes, diaries, and letters) are identified by date only. The index provides minimal descriptions, media, and dimensions.