Dean Richards CHARCOAL & GRAPHITE DRAWINGS

It drives what I create and I feel that level of emotion and commitment shows in my efforts. I’ve felt this way about drawing since I was a small boy and it has grown with each passing year. Black and white being my love from the start. There is just something about the utter simplicity and vast complexity of this ancient and elegant medium that holds my continued fascination.

Passion

Integrity

I do not wish to compromise for any reason in attempts to reach my goal of creating drawings with power and intensity that intrigue me on a personal and emotional level. Drawings that stir my senses and forge new inspirations. I’ve held on tightly to this ideal with every intention of realizing my vision.

Subject

First and foremost I am an animal artist. The body of my work in recent years has focused on birds. I tend to choose the less common species. In many cases the less beautiful the better. Birds and animals have enraptured me since childhood. It’s interesting how some things seem to be with us right from the very beginning.

Medium

Burnt Wood and Natural Elements. Simple. My finish work is done entirely in charcoal, graphite and carbon on a gessoed board.

Process

Generally each piece starts with a thorough graphite sketch to work out the light, overall composition and hopefully capturing the initial inspiration. Once that's complete I decide how large the finish size will be and prepare a board. I get the gesso brushed and splattered on as random and messy as I can make it. Then a detailed linear drawing is done based on the small sketch. Once that is transferred to the board the real pleasure of drawing begins.

Horizons

A new and challenging direction in my work allows me the honor of creating commission drawings of our United States Soldiers. I use the same devotion and passion to portray these brave individuals as I do the creatures of our natural world. I find this to be an exciting and rewarding experience. You may click here to see my military drawings.

Original Drawings, Wildlife, Birds, Animals, Nature, Military Commissions, Prints