Had some discussions with Charles Falco who worked with David Hockney on the Falco-Hockney theory of optics used in the Dutch master’s works. Really interesting story about how our perceptions of the old masters are ingrained in the art world, and how the use of the tools of the time can degrade our perceptions of their mastery of their art. The reality is that these tools can help, but can’t replace the artist’s capabilities with use of color and light- their works are still master works, but young artists should feel better about their free-hand limitations because the masters were likely not free-hand drawing to start their work! Falco is very interesting- he also was the curator of the Art of the Motorcycle at the Guggenheim as well as being a scientist by trade.

Loved the video- check out Falco’s lectures about his work on optics for even more fun.

Cheers!