Impression Evergreen

"Portrait of Lukas" Colored Pencil Emerging from a violet void, the Portrait of Lukas is carefully rendered with flecks of unblemished gold. The intentionally soft shading reflects the gentle temperament of an innocent soul. Invoking interest in this idyllic representation of adolescence is the tension created by contrasting the precise modeling of the face with the flattened grid pattern defining the much simplified shirt. The deep, blue-violet background forms a strong complement with the child’s pale, yellow-orange complexion. The sparkling tones expressing the naive character of someone so full of life. Influenced by his avocations, the heavy-handed line work, disentangled hair and detailed eyes is Anime inspired. A callow presence during disarray - like a kite in a hurricane or a ray of sunshine during a storm.

"Golden Hawk" Colored Pencil Perched on a high throne decorated with a wreath of autumn leaves, a golden hawk gazes over a vast empire. The royal color scheme of blue and gold is applied in patches of similar value, resulting in a posterized portrait. Highlights and shadows are downplayed as the abstract contours exaggerate the drawing’s obvious two-dimensionality. The resplendent creature is static and solid suggesting a timeless permanence that symbolizes confidence, power and freedom. This piece does not portray a specific individual but it is more of a generic representation of a dazzling species that is so often overlooked. The monarch’s feathers are barely insinuated and the tail stripes are reduced to a simple pattern. The long, dark wing is devoid of detail, the ochre bib promotes a sand-colored chest and the yellow feet, equipped with sharp talons, melt into the mosaic of foliage. Cut out of a powder-blue sky, the noble profile of a bronze head is adorned ...

"Sharp-shinned Hawk" Colored Pencil Perched patiently on a rusty fence, a sharp-shinned hawk has appeared in a flash. It’s winter in western Nebraska and a flock of sparrows has congregated in the farmyard, feeding on chicken scratch and corn. Relying on stealth and camouflage, the sharpy prefers ambush to capture its prey. Decorated with a gold-leaf pattern, the pale chest is cloaked by dark wings that are detailed with the suggestion of broad feathers. The raptor’s noble head is a remarkable profile distinguished by streaked spear tips and bright yellow eyes. Just a juvenile, this bird of prey is a natural born hunter that’s still trying to find its place in the forest habitat. The unsuspecting sparrows are easy pickings for this woodland warrior. While living on earth can be a struggle for most of us, it’s not so for the sharp-shin. This confident creature seems to have the world by the tail.

"Elk Ridge Evergreen" Colored Pencil “Through art we can change the world.” ~ #twitterartexhibit It’s the morning after an early-winter storm and Evergreen’s Elk Ridge is dusted with a layer of fresh snow. Gloomy clouds have passed so the clear sky forms a bright-blue background. The far foothills are expressed with graduated tones of cool gray that blend into the distance. Sparkling under a radiant sun, a row of silvery spruce is stretched along the steep hillside. Up front, the dark pine is a rigid focal point that carries weight into the corner. Cast by the red tree, intricate shadows form an abstract pattern that’s spread across the snowy surface. It’s fascinating how an idea born in the brain is nurtured in the heart and transmitted through an eager arm, resulting in an expressive piece of art that’s completely handmade. Elk Ridge Evergreen is my contribution to the upcoming Twitter Art Exhibit: NYC . This unique event is an international exhibition of or...