What Next
It has been a while since my last entry so I hope there are still a few of you out there reading my short and random notes and insertions. For those of you who are, I expect the questions on everyone's lips are, what is he up to? What is he drawing? And when and where are the next shows. The answer to the questions are that during this quiet period of the year I start to contemplate what to draw next. As always I like to challenge myself and try and draw things that not only inspire me but also draw attention to animals that are seldom seen in the world of art. This year I have been working with some new themes and subjects, some will be popular and I am sure others won't. They are to include believe it or not, jellyfish, as well as seals, giraffes, and some lesser known birds shown in their environments.
I have also been inspired to draw a series of pictures showing animals in their habitats and if possible portraying the relationship between the subject and its surroundings. The idea came to me walking one night (as I always do) when I spotted a solitary tree with distinguishing features. It struck me how the seemed to stand out with overwhelming contrast in my vision and was some what reminiscent of one of my pictures cut to white. It was a stunning piece of nature, apart from the stunning shape the details were truly magnificent. I instantly became very inspired to put this tree onto paper in one of my drawings using my minimalist composition style. I thought how nice it would be to include some of the wildlife that are involved with it however small in comparison. maybe a bird or a small mammal, who knows what I shall decide, but I do know it has lead me to thoughts of other similar pictures, we shall have to wait and see what happens. I would like to hope that perhaps a themed exhibition could materialize from this idea. Who knows, as it is one of many ideas that are forever bambarding me and becoming entries in my small book of inspirations I carry around with me.
Getting back to the original question regarding forthcoming shows for this year, I have a couple in the pipeline but they are as yet both to be confirmed. As soon as plans are made definite I shall post them immediately on this blog.
I have also been inspired to draw a series of pictures showing animals in their habitats and if possible portraying the relationship between the subject and its surroundings. The idea came to me walking one night (as I always do) when I spotted a solitary tree with distinguishing features. It struck me how the seemed to stand out with overwhelming contrast in my vision and was some what reminiscent of one of my pictures cut to white. It was a stunning piece of nature, apart from the stunning shape the details were truly magnificent. I instantly became very inspired to put this tree onto paper in one of my drawings using my minimalist composition style. I thought how nice it would be to include some of the wildlife that are involved with it however small in comparison. maybe a bird or a small mammal, who knows what I shall decide, but I do know it has lead me to thoughts of other similar pictures, we shall have to wait and see what happens. I would like to hope that perhaps a themed exhibition could materialize from this idea. Who knows, as it is one of many ideas that are forever bambarding me and becoming entries in my small book of inspirations I carry around with me.
Getting back to the original question regarding forthcoming shows for this year, I have a couple in the pipeline but they are as yet both to be confirmed. As soon as plans are made definite I shall post them immediately on this blog.
What a stunning drawing! You just keep on getting better and better! I love this image. Will you be releasing it?
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Hi David,
Great blog entry. That frog is amazing! Your idea of drawing animals in their habit sound brilliant too! I think it’s going to grab a lot of attention, among collectors, old and new. I for one, can’t wait to see your next images.
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How right you are Vince. David Wood is the undisputed master of reptile and amphibian art. Not only pencil, but colour too.
They are an extremely difficult subject matter, and persons such as myself who have a fascination and interest in this branch of Natural History, tend to be extremely critical. I think this comes from a driving passion to both protect and promote this area of our natural world.It is utterly consuming.
However it's an art form of extreme precision and technical detail. ( witness the geometric scales of the Basking Agama ) I've see other professional artists tackle reptilian and amphibian art and quite frankly the end results are too shockingly awful to describe.There's nowhere to hide when taking on this field of art and any weakness will be brutally exposed.
I must recommend anyone reading this to try and view some of the original artwork if at all possible. It's utterly brilliant and some of the frogs glisten like they've just jumped out of a tub of varnish. His talent should be outlawed.
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That's a great suggestion Simon. I wonder if we could get an exhibition together of David's Originals! That would be very popular with loads of people I think? Might be something to think about for the future?
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Hi Vince buddy,
I've toyed with that project for some years now and have mentioned it to David on a number of occasions over time.
He's certainly not against it. But it will be a daunting task mate, but not impossible. A huge amount of organisation, planing and dogwork. Let the two of us discuss it privately mate. And mention it to David. Vince you are driven by a love for the artwork and a respect for David. So am I. Lets see where we can go from here mate.
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Ok, I'm up for it. I'll give you a call next week, if that's ok. Meanwhile, I have to get on with regular work. my tel number is 0770 980 1454. If you text me your number I'll call you next week at a time that's ok with you. Or if that's not ok, let me know when to call?
And thanks for the nice comments, It would be great if we could organise a few things together. I'd really enjoy it.
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Thanks for your reply Vince, it's fired up my need to get back into the art world once again. But one slow step at a time for me.
I visited some very close friends of mine who run a lovely gallery and framing business in Eastleigh Hampshire.
The first gallery I've visited in twelve months mate. That has also made me realise what I've been missing. And they sprcialise in DDW's art work too.Seems that this picture business is a sort of a drug !
Spoke to DDW last night and told him of our idea. He's really chuffed we are in contact. So lets stay that way and progress it slowly and carefully. Let it remain a pleasure, not become a chore. I feel that's vital mate.
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