Evolution of Engraved Art

Crane

Phase 1

Ink sketchbook drawing of a crane in a nearby swamp.

Phase 2

The vector graphic used for engraving.

Phase 3

Crane - engraving on travertine tiles — Crane 18” x 36” engraved travertine tiles, 2015

Consider The Lillies

Phase 1

Consider the Lilies - original photograph — Lilies have an elegance that is perfectly described in Matthew 6:28 and Luke 12:27.

Phase 2

Consider the Lilies - Vector drawing formatted for engraving — The vector graphic used for engraving.

Phase 3

Engraved on three pieces of limestone tile.

From The Han Dynasty

Phase 1

From the Han Dynasty - Original pencil drawing — This drawing was made from a terracotta equestrian statue at the Minneapolis Institute of Art.

Phase 2

From the Han Dynasty - Vector drawing formatted for engraving — I was captivated not only by the statue’s sculptural qualities but by its age and the distance it had traveled over the centuries.

Phase 3

From the Han Dynasty - engraving on limestone — I found a piece of limestone that fit perfectly with the design. The material and composition combined to evoke a sense of age.

Fireworks

Phase 1

Fireworks - original drawing of Shefflera plant — This is a drawing I have always liked and thought it would work as an engraved piece. It reminds me of fireworks.

Phase 2

The objective in this engraving was to give a sense of depth by varying of the weight of the outlines.

Phase 3

Fireworks - Engraving on marble tiles — The engraving was done on 9 pieces of 12×12 polished marble and painted with gold paint.

Lake Charlotte

Phase 1

This sketch was done at Lake Charlotte, Long Prairie, MN.

Phase 2

Additional detail had to be added to the foreground to give a sense of depth.

Phase 3

Lake Charlotte - engraving on marble tiles — The design was engraved on 8 12×12 polished marble tiles then painted in black.

Underside – Monarch Butterfly

Phase 1

Butterfly photo — This butterfly was found in our yard just after it died. It was in perfect condition, laid out flat and symetrical. I wanted to create something to reflect its beauty.

Phase 2

Underside-Monarch Butterfly - Vector drawing formatted for engraving — I imported the photograph into the Inkpad app on my iPad and painstakingly traced it to render the image above. Tracing the head, body and legs presented a challenge in getting lighting and magnification just right on subsequent detail photos.

Phase 3

Engraved granite - Monarch Butterfly — The design was engraved on 18 12×12 honed green granite tiles. Then the lines were painted – some in black and some in gold. The larger dark areas were stained with color enhancing sealer.

Twirl

Phase 1

Engraving: Paint touch up

Phase 2

Engraving: Paint touch up

Phase 3

Twirl 2017 — Twirl 48″ x 60″ engraved marble tiles, 2017