Thursday, October 04, 2012

Billows Upon Billows

Scotland: Clouds, Hill, Field  ©2012 Katherine Kean
graphite and charcoal 6 x 6"
"Clouds are not spheres, mountains are not cones, coastlines are not circles, and bark is not smooth, nor does lightning travel in a straight line." Benoit Mandelbrot, in his introduction to The Fractal Geometry of Nature. 

I'm working out some painting ideas inspired by last fall's visit to Scotland, working in six inch squares in graphite and charcoal. Drawing in this small scale makes it easier to simplify shapes and clarify values, while still having room to enjoy some details. That is part of the fun of clouds, isn't it? The "billows upon billows upon billows" as Mandelbrot would say.

Scotland: Clouds, Hills, Valley   ©2012 Katherine Kean
graphite 6 x 6"

6 comments:

Kathryn Hansen said...

your drawings have such movement in them...just beautiful!!!

Katherine Kean said...

Thank you Kathryn.

Jean Spitzer said...

These are beautiful drawings. Amazing how much one can see in these small works.

Katherine Kean said...

Thanks Jean!

I saw an exhibition last night of almost all 6 x 6 inch paintings with incredible detail and scope. When I looked with a magnifying glass it was quite painterly.

Nikki P said...

These are gorgeous! God has really blessed you with a talent. Can't wait to see more! :)

Katherine Kean said...

Thank you Nikki, and welcome!

I plan to post more drawings soon.

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