“Bantam” is one of the works I’ve begun creating as part of my Limited Edition Original Artworks project.
The painting subject, a Barnevelder rooster originates from Holland. So what is the significance of a rooster? Human development has been deeply impacted by our dependence on animals and chickens, even now, remain a keystone species important to world economies and cultures. If you read my artist statement, it provides some insight into my interest in elevating simple subjects like chickens and exploring human / animal relationships.
As part of this project, I’m creating ornate wooden frames for each painting, with the frame containing some elements that relate to the subject’s origin, so in this case, the frame is inspired by patterns found on traditional Dutch ceramics.
To begin, I create a series of rough sketches to help me decide posture and position of the rooster. During this stage I also draw patterns from Dutch ceramics to get familiar with shapes and details. Even though exact replicas of the ceramic patterns won’t be used in the work, knowing how they are formed provides me with enough information to create a pattern inspired by them.
Next, I create the finalized version of the drawing, and the completed drawing is transferred to a small wood panel. After transfer, I seal and sand the drawing, then I begin to paint.
With the painting complete (and dry) I move on to constructing the frame for “Bantam”. The pieces of the frame are cut from my design, painted and assembled. Once everything is assembled, the artwork is sprayed with a protective varnish, signed and made ready for shipment to its new owner.
