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
We saw this beautiful lioness on our first trip out with Jimmy, a fantastic guy who holds a senior position in the Uganda Conservation Foundation (UCF) and a local with an extraordinary story. He was demonstrating the system used for tracking the lions using collars, radar and satellite technologies. We were able to get pretty close using the satellite tech, but had to switch to radar once we got near. It even took Jimmy quite a while to find the pride, as they were all lying out in the long grass. As Jimmy said, “If you were walking out here, you’d walk right into them without seeing a thing.” Quite a startling thought, but one that provided all the inspiration I needed for this tribute to these wonderful creatures.
