The Wildlife Trusts XIII: Wetlands – Limited edition print

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 was the thirteenth artwork created as part of The Wildlife Trusts project. The project lasted just over a year and involved us travelling around England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, visiting 53 Wildlife Trusts reserves, across 20 separate Trusts.

There are few things that can evoke such different emotions in us than water. It can be dangerous, frightening and even lethal, but also, as shown here, it can be calming, spiritual and peaceful. We visited Walthamstow Wetlands, managed by London Wildlife Trust on one of the most glorious days of the year, which made this exquisite reserve one of the calmest places to be in London. In this piece I’ve tried to capture this calmness, whilst also acknowledging where it is by including the blocks of flats in the background. In short it’s trying to show how we should be trying to live in harmony with nature.