Miró

This drawing is from Olsen's 'Letters to a young artist' series of 1986–87 in which he paid homage to those senior artists he regarded as guiding his inspiration. Olsen dedicated this important series of works to the artistic tradition and shared struggle to become an artist.

Tim Olsen, the artist's son and donor of the work, says that his father dedicated this important series of works to the artistic tradition (of which he believes/feels he is a part) and the shared struggle to become an artist. As he says of this series of drawings by his father: 'Through these works, he attempts to share his, or a master's thoughts and experiences with young artists and students. John was and is captivated 'By the transition of youthful enquiry to the disillusionment of old age'.