Rye Harbour Nature Reserve II: Curlew – Limited Edition Print

Description

The Inspiration
This was the second original from the wonderful project with Sussex Wildlife Trust, recording the life of Rye Harbour over the course of a year. Showing the classic view of the reserve, looking from close to Gooders Hide in December, the idea behind this work is to capture the weak winter evening light.

Weather is a huge factor in the experience you have when visiting the reserve and this piece is attempting to capture the damp, still winter weather. I’ve used soft, subtle edges and a limited amount of bright white paint to try and achieve the right atmosphere.

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.