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 54.5 cm x 44.5cm and the unframed print is 51cm x 41cm (20in x 16in). 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
There were many, many elephants in Uganda and we spent quite a lot of time with quite a lot of large groups and the biggest thing to strike us was the closeness of their family groups. They were constantly communicating with each other through vocalisations, but also through touch. They were always bumping up against each other, intertwining trunks or nudging each other. It is that closeness that is the main focus of this piece. I really wanted to capture and communicate that sense of family and society these magnificent animals live in.
