+90x65+cm.tif)
Title “Fractured
Earth – the drawing”
(Drawing - Ink and Watercolour on
watercolour paper on board)
Size:
90x65cm (Exterior dimensions)
ABOUT THIS PAINTING:
This drawing stands
alone and is not part of the Rockscape Series that I have discussed in earlier
posts. It is however like the Rockscape Series in that it is inspired by the
volcanic rocks on the foreshore of the coastline on the Sunshine Coast. The photograph of the rock used for my drawing was
taken at Mooloolaba Beach.
As you can see, my drawing is rendered in a
realistic way and the natural formations of the actual rock provide the
abstract look which I prefer for my art.
Rockscapes fascinate me. These rocks are volcanic and have become
fractured by the natural cooling process thousands of years ago. The patterning is thought to be the result of
the surface drying before it consolidated. They have weathered the ravages of time.
Symbolically these rocks tell of the Earth’s early beginnings,
and represent for me the qualities of endurance and strength. These qualities are traditionally seen as
masculine. Ink and watercolour are the main mediums used and they represent qualities
associated with the feminine. Water (as
in the ocean) symbolically suggests fluidity, softness and spirituality which
are also linked to the feminine.
This drawing brings masculine and feminine qualities
together and serves to symbolically provide balance and harmony to an imbalance
that is occurring in the natural environment on this planet at this time. It is no secret that our beautiful blue Pacific
Ocean is beset by pollution. Scientific
reports show that the magical and bountiful deep blue is turning into a barren
desert. My drawing here (and also the
Rockscape Series) serve to draw attention to the fact that although the
coastline along the Sunshine Coast is still beautiful, our ocean and coastline
may not be the same for future generations to enjoy. What we now take for granted is under threat
and we all need to be aware and responsible for our Earth’s care.
Artistic techniques used in the
painting:
The drawing
is on four sheets of watercolour paper adhered to board. I randomly applied black ink over four
discarded watercolour paintings. When
dried I arranged the sheets to form a single surface. I wanted to experiment with black and this
process yielded a surface which was weathered by circumstance over time, just
like the rock in the photo.
I then used
white ink and a bamboo pen to draw a realistic copy of the fractures and
fissures of the rock face. I applied fluoro
ink in parts of this drawing to create interesting effects and highlights on
the white ink.
The entire
surface was then covered with a matt gel to create a consistent cover and unify
the four original surfaces.
This drawing
is experimental and I stress that every artist should explore the different
affects created by the application and mixing of unrelated media. In this case there are elements of randomness
but also quite a high degree of control.
Why don’t you
try an experimental painting – it can lead to a very rewarding conclusion and
is fun. Just let go of the ego and of
control and let it just happen. It’s
very freeing.
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