Cello in Hinoki

An ethereal cello painted in a gray that refuses to stay gray: the lines break into violets, greens, and flashes of blue as my Sailor Hinoki fountain pen ink meets water. The ink acts totally different than the watercolor and breaks apart much more quickly. Take a look at my hair that fell into the painting near the instrument's neck and caused that beautiful trail of color.

This painting began as a color study that I did at least three times, possibly five. It finally came together when I decided I would use my new Hinoki ink and let its graphite-like line separate into its hidden colors.

The question behind this piece was simple: how many colors are actually present in gray? Applied to a cello, those bundled colors opened into iridescent fields of light and shadow. A recent course by Nick Stewart helped me consider my fountain pen ink as an intriguing new art material for me.

If this painting could talk to me while we were working together, it would tell me: Do not take yourself too seriously, and most certainly do not think you can plan exactly what a piece will look like before it is done. It never works that way.

Original Artwork

• Medium: Hinoki ink and professional watercolor on heavyweight 300 lb Arches watercolor paper
• Dimensions: 8" x 8.5"
• Availability: The original artwork can be made available on request but will require varnish.

Fine Art Prints

• Museum-quality 8" x 8" giclée prints capture the subtle color separation and texture of the original painting.
• Printed on archival, acid-free fine art paper.