'I could paint a picture called 'The Doe' ... I may also want to paint a picture, 'The Doe Feels'. How infinitely more subtle must the painters sensitivity in order to paint that.'' Franz Marc
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I have been exploring the animal kingdom through my work for many years, using mainly charcoal, with some work in oil. My subject matter derives from things I see, read or find, including roadkill, which I then work from to produce larger drawings. Animals have been portrayed extensively by artists, therefore it is important for me to create something that is visually striking and says something deeper rather than just producing a conventional portrait. My work seeks to present the animal in a different way so that one may perceive it's qualities more intensely. I'm also interested in exploring movement and in particular the equine form . Again this is an area which has been extensively studied by artists so it is vital for me to try and find a new ways of portraying the subject. Using charcoal originally, and also working in oils, I am looking at the dynamics of movement across the paper and how they link with the physicality of the horse. Working in monotone, or with a limited colour palette allows me to use areas of the paper or canvas to suggest space without placing the animals in a more traditional pastoral context, and the composition becomes crucial to give the life to the space within the piece.
| 'I felt a dark eye turn its gaze upon me ... '
The Handsome Family
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Please note all images are the copyright of Ann Hollaway. |