The Wildlife Trusts XIV: The Bond – 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 fourteenth 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.

Lincolnshire Wildlife Trust were exceptional hosts, showing us around 4 of their reserves, which included a grey seal colony on their east coast. Again we were treated to up close encounters with wildlife that are very rare. The bond between parents and their young is one of the strongest bonds that exists and links virtually all life. It certainly defines us as a species and should link us to all other life as well. The moment of affection and soft touch between mother and child is at the core of this piece.