| The technique of drawing on wood was discovered quite by accident. While attending a recent show, I was given a piece of wood by another artist and it immediately sparked my imagination. Sketching on the wood revealed that given the proper preparation a wood surface can provide an unusual and interesting background for some subjects. |
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| "Cheetah Interrupted" |
The characteristics of wood can dramatically affect a work of art. Knot holes, grain and the shape of the wood itself are all important factors in determining composition. The knot holes inherent in cedar can make or break a composition. In "Cheetah Interrupted" I manipulated the shape of the tree so that the knot holes in the wood added to the "natural" look of the tree while being careful not to involve any knot holes in the drawing of the animals themselves. Because of the characteristics of cedar, it is best to use it with subject matter involving trees or stumps.
Drawing on wood is somewhat limiting because the wood properties dictate subject and composition. The wood and composition need to be chosen carefully. As a benefit drawing on wood eliminates the need to draw a detailed background.
Once the wood is chosen it must be completely dry and then is planed and sanded in preparation for drawing. Because my work is so detailed, a smooth surface is required.
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| "Cat Nap' |
In "Cat Nap" this piece of pecan was a perfect addition to my composition. The grain dramatizes the background and was an important factor in the composition. I blended the grain of my subject into the natural grain of the wood to achieve a pleasing effect.
Prismacolor pencil, graphite pencils, shading stumps and an electric eraser are tools of the trade. I layer the pencil as I do in my graphite drawings to render detail and to create the illusion of depth. Because of the color and properties of the wood, more care must be taken in the color selection and the "trial and error" method prevails.
Prismacolor pencil, graphite pencils, shading stumps and an electric eraser are tools of the trade. I layer the pencil as I do in my graphite drawings to render detail and to create the illusion of depth. Because of the color and properties of the wood, more care must be taken in the color selection and the "trial and error" method prevails.
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| Tools Of The Trade |
Once the drawing is complete, I spray it with fixative followed by several coats of lacquer. Because of the unusual shape of the wood, framing the artwork is impossible; the bark is left in tact to add interest and appeal.
Wood is a fascinating and fun medium to work with sparking the imagination and providing endless opportunities for the creative mind. Who knows what will emerge from the wooden recesses of my mind........
Wood is a fascinating and fun medium to work with sparking the imagination and providing endless opportunities for the creative mind. Who knows what will emerge from the wooden recesses of my mind........