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
This piece was inspired by a roadside viewing of a beautiful little bird, the grey kestrel. We were driving along the back roads of Uganda and as soon as I saw this wonderful little bird of prey perched on a succulent, known as the candelabra tree, I immediately thought it would look fantastic on a wall. There are many reasons I create art, and one of the simplest of those is that it will just look great. Nature is extremely complex and is usually beautiful, so this was one of those times I got huge amounts of pleasure simply trying to capture that beauty in a pure, simple way.
