Rye Harbour Nature Reserve I: Go Your Own Way – Limited edition print

Description

The Inspiration
The first original from the wonderful project with Sussex Wildlife Trust, recording the life of Rye Harbour over the course of a year. This was inspired by an experience I had at Denny Hide. There were a huge amount of coots, more than I’ve ever seen outside London, and they were all heading in one direction. Unfortunately for a little grebe, it wanted to go in the opposite direction and had to dodge past the coots, some of whom seemed to object. It was a bit fraught for a while, but the little grebe’s determination meant it got where it wanted to go. A happy ending for everyone.

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.