Everywhere around us there are signs of Spring. Nature is bursting to life once more. On my daily walks with the dogs, one of our favorite things to do is explore the back woods. While they hunt for little critters to chase, you can find me exploring for wildflowers. Here are a few pics from one of our recent outings:
Untitled
Pen and Ink drawing in progress. This is a head study of a pair of Gelderlanders in harness. Strathmore Bristol, 2 ply vellum. Koh-I-Noor Rapidograph technical pen 4 x 0, .18mm. Overall dimensions are 13 1/2" x 11 1/4".
In this series of posts, I will be sharing five pen and ink drawings in progress, allowing the viewer insight to my drawing process, and the opportunity to see as the work develops with each additional layer. I am not currently set up to photograph the work properly, so these images are not the best quality; hopefully they will suffice for now.
Ideally, I would have begun with the rough sketch; however, this is a piece that was already in progress, as are some of the others I plan to add to this series. As many of you know, I do not work on one piece at a time; rather, there are probably three to five pieces in progress simultaneously. This method of working allows me to put something aside and return to it with a fresh perspective, as often, especially when blocking in large areas that require an immense amount of time, the direction of the work is lost. Working on several pieces at once allows me to minimize down time. Setting aside a drawing when that point is reached can be crucial to the finished piece. Pen and ink is a very unforgiving medium, and mistakes are not easily reworked, if at all - though that is one of the things I enjoy about working in this medium: you are committed to each mark you make.
Generally, a drawing is approched very much like a puzzle: broken down into shapes - isolating those shapes and then piecing them back together until the final image emerges. In this image, the largest areas have been blocked in first; each section made up of rows of lines approximately 1/4" long. A second layer has been added cross direction, to the outside horse's cheek and neck.
In the next post, areas of light and shadow will begin to emerge.
"Mute Swan with Cygnets"
Our featured art for the month is an image of a female, or "pen", mute swan with her three cygnets. These are the grey, or "royal" form - hence their grey down. As they mature, they will grow grey-brown and white feathers, giving them a mottled appearance instead of the all white form of the "polish" cygnets.
Although mute swans are native to Eurasia, they have established breeding populations in North America after escaping parks and estates where they were originally introduced. Due to their territorial, aggressive behavior, there is concern regarding their impact on native waterfowl. Some areas are seeking to control the number of mute swans, while in other areas they are protected.
Despite the controversy over their status, I enjoy their graceful, regal nature. This pen and cob pair reside at a large pond where Michaela and I like to go and have breakfast on our errand days. A large number of Mallards and Canadian Geese also frequent the pond. Originally, the pair had four cygnets; on the following visit they were down to two. Mute swans, like most birds, are attentive, protective parents. Although the pen is tolerating my presence here, the cob did not hesitate to fend off a couple who brought their little dog too close to where the cygnets were wading.
Open edition. Unstretched canvas print, Premier Gloss finish. Image size 24" x 16", $225.00. To purchase, click here.
Museum and Gallery Wrap also available.
Additional sizes, papers and frame options on request.
"Frost on Pine"
Situated between our house and the barn, a single pine - the only one on our property - glistens in the morning light, its needles outlined in crisp white from a hard frost overnight.
This tree is affectionately known as "Faith's Tree"; it was her favorite spot to lay and watch the world go by, or snooze comfortably in the hole she had made for herself between its roots. I still expect to see her there every time I pass by, bouncing expectedly when I have finished my chores and it is time to go in. The pine has stood stolid since summer, a silent reminder of my friend now gone. Its branches heavily laden with snow from last weeks storm, the pine lies broken - the weight of the snow a burden it could no longer bear - demonstrating the fragility of nature, and the impact both its beauty and its devastation leaves on us.
Our featured art for the month is an image celebrating natures beauty, and the lasting impression created when we stop for a moment and look closely, seeing the familiar in an unfamiliar way. My view has definately been altered this week.
Open edition. Unstretched canvas print, premier gloss finish. Image size 10.6" x 16", $125.00. To purchase, click here. Museum and Gallery Wrap also available.
Framed Fuji Crystal Archive print, finished size 11" x 17" (7" x 10" image) , $235.00. To purchase, click here.
**Studio Sample also available: framed Fuji Crystal Archive print, finished size 10 3/4" x 12 7/8" (5" x 7" image) , $145.00, includes $20.00 shipping/handling fee ($200.00 retail) To purchase, click here.
Additional sizes and papers on request.
"Back Forty - Winter"
A lone Shagbark Hickory stands out against wintry skies, its' deep brown limbs dominating the landscape, freshly blanketed in new fallen snow.
Open edition. Unstretched canvas print, Premier Gloss finish. Image size: 15.9" x 24", $225.00. To purchase, click here. Museum and Gallery Wrap also available.
Additional sizes, papers and frame options on request.
