"The artist...is also a born adventurer. His explorations, unlike those of a tourist, are rewarded by the discovery of beauty spots unmentioned in the guide books, and with tireless curiosity and an exceptional proneness to wonderment, he will come upon objects of remarkable interest overlooked or even shunned by more disciplined observers."

Augustus John, R.A.




Sunday 28 June 2009

Common Frog

I did this drawing of a Common Frog over 20 years ago in Waldendale, high up on the northern flank of Buckden Pike. At the time it struck me that it was a bit unusual to find one so far out on the moor and away from any sort of water. However, a few years later I came across another one at an even more exposed elevation just below the summit of Penyghent. Anyway to get back to this particular Frog. I did the drawing out on the moor with no other intention than just to record its presence. I thought it might come in useful if I ever needed reference for an illustration but I never did use it for anything. Whilst looking through my old sketchbooks earlier this week I came across the drawing, started playing around with some designs and came up with this ........

Common Frog.
Reduction Linocut, hand printed with some additional colouring. 180mm x 120mm.

3 comments:

Emma Anderson said...

How lovely.

Keith Tilley said...

I really like this. It reminds me of Art Nouveau prints, which I have always liked. I can imagine that it would make a nice design for a ceramic tile, or something similar.

Stuart Brocklehurst said...

Thank You both for your comments. The similarity to Art Nouveau that you mention Keith hadn't occured to me. I've been staring at them all week trying to think what they reminded me of.