Description
The Print
Each print comes with it’s own certificate of authenticity signed by me. Only the finest materials were used to make this limited edition print, which I have produced myself. Both the paper (Somerset Enhanced Velvet) and the inks (Epson UltraChrome Pro) are of archival quality, meaning the print could last up to 400 years.
Size: The framed print is 53.5 cm x 53.5cm and the unframed print is 50cm x 50cm. A standard size that should enable you to get a frame easily online if you choose this option.
The Technique
I draw with Uni-ball Signo ballpoint pens on raw linen canvas. To prepare the surface I lighten the canvas with a white oil paint wash. Once this is dry, I draw with the biro, as I would with pencil on paper. After the drawing is complete, it’s varnished (to fix the ink in place) and more white oil paint is used to add light and finalise the composition. The ink is actually surprisingly versatile, in terms of its colour. If I want a blue tinge to the work I can layer white oil paint over it, or leave the canvas showing through to leave a sepia tone.
The Inspiration
During our trip to Uganda, we were extremely lucky to spend an hour or two with a troop of chimps. They were pretty hard to find, as they move so quickly through the trees, although they can make a huge amount of noise when they want to. It was very special to spend time with personalities that are our closest relatives. There were many options of artwork to do, but at one stage we saw them crossing the river on a log right beside a group of hippos. It was such a special moment, that also revealed the many different characters of the troop, as they crossed the log in many different ways. Some crossed very quickly, some slowly, some with swagger and arrogance, others very tentatively and nervously. I’ve tried to capture this special moment, but also the grandeur of the forest trees the chimps spend so much of their time.
