Woodland Realm - Colored Pencil Drawing
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"Woodland Realm" Colored Pencil |
The deep interior of a mountain forest is a mysterious ecosystem defined by a multitude of interconnected plants and animals. There is an exquisite harmony that exists between the different organisms that presents a challenge to the artist’s attempt at a truthful expression.
In an isolated valley, a tributary of the South Platte tumbles down through the labyrinth of a rocky creek bed. The watery cascade purifies the woodland realm, cleansing the cluttered understory with a wash of pure, flat color.
The solemn baptism occurs in a natural cathedral of dark, twisting pine where windows in the foliage act like panes of stained glass, allowing shafts of light to filter into the primeval forest.
At first glance, this untamed wilderness appears completely chaotic but after further contemplation a sense of divine order begins to reveal itself. Composition, scheme, contrast, form and pattern improbably emerge.
The design comes intuitively as the disparate elements are arranged in a logical manner thus unifying the entire whole. Despite the fervent inspiration, translating the vision into a creative work of art is an imposing task.
Along the ridge, a thicket of dense timber and writhing limbs is organized into triangles of graduated green. Defined by flickering shadows, the lush vegetation below is punctuated by a patch of pink wildflowers.
The resilient, little creek winds through the rocky debris before spilling out of the extreme foreground. The transparent water is described by soft swirls of color that fuse from purple to teal.
Rocks of various shapes and sizes are strewn haphazardly along the edge of the pristine water course. The boulders are filled with smooth color while their contours are sketched with dark outlines conveying a solidity that contrasts with the fluidity of the creek.
This little corner of the cosmos was difficult to transcribe as some of the details and textures became tedious but after dealing with some laborious, winter drawings this work was a refreshing change energized by a spirit of rejuvenation.
Beautiful work! I love it!
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