#507 Throw on another log . . . whisper

There really are no hard, fast rules or principles of design, 
but simplicity, harmony, and subtlety can be a guide.  
Sculpture does not have to shout - it can whisper.

It's possible to put as much, if not more, 
vitality into a sculpture of an animal in a tranquil pose as in 
one depicting violent action.  The viewer can tire of the latter.  

A work of art combines composition, proportion,
and the arrangement of shapes and form to lead
the view to an artistic conclusion.

The greatest expression is communicated through the largest shapes.
The sculptor must say as much as possible with the large forms before being concerned with detail.

There's no technique or trick that can be taught to explain how to create a good, strong shape.

The theory must be felt or sensed to be understood by both the viewer and the artist.

Just as a whisper makes one listen more closely, one looks with greater understanding at uncomplicated
sculptural statements.  Power is gained through simplicity and simple shapes tell greater truths.

Below, are sculptures of quiet poses, modeled from life . . . the style,

sentiment, and spirit was derived from the subject.

Preening Cat

Solitude

Sleepy Fox

Cougar at Ease

Eclipse

To learn more about the subjects in this blog go to the links below.  
For a complete list of the blog index go to the Index Page and 
type the subject in the Search This Blog link on the right.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish Smith

#469 A new book: "Art of the National Parks"

Earlier this year, a new book entitled, "Art of the National Parks", was introduced.

The book includes 70 artists who offer distinctive visions of 8 of the nation's beloved national parks.

With more than 450 artworks in 430 pages, this glorious, large format book is a must for
anyone who has hiked the trails, watched a sunset, marveled at buffalo herds,
or yearned to experience America's mythic and transformative vistas.  

Published by Fresco Fine Art Publications, co-authored by Susan Hallsten McGarry,
well-known author;  Jean Stern,  curator and art-historian;  and Terry Lawson Dunn,

biologist and educator, the book is an indispensable compendium of artists who are at the
forefront of 21st century American landscape and wildlife art.


Below, included in Yellowstone section of the book are friends and fellow artists . . .
Clyde Aspevig, Scott Christensen, Ralph Oberg,  Jim Wilcox, and more.
Jim's painting is featured on the cover of the magnificent book.

http://www.amazon.com/
http://www.unmpress.com/

My work was included in the Yellowstone National Park section.

Below, are images of works featured.

 Sleepy Fox
18"H 15"W 9"D

 Ancient Way
20"H 24"W 11"D

 Red-tailed Hawk at Sappa Creek
42"H 30"W 25"D

 Harbinger of Light
13H 20"W 16"D

Hay Bay
19"H 25"W 14"D


Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott

#441 Remarque: "The Red Fox in Art"

Every now and then a coffee table-type art book comes along that is a real showstopper . . . 

such is the case with John Orrelle's impressive publication, The Red Fox in Art.

In this masterful visual tribute to the Red Fox, Orrelle has presented a stunning array of images spanning centuries.  Included are Peter Paul Rubens, Sir Edwin Landseer, Bruno Liljefors, Winslow Homer, N.C. Wyeth, Carl Rungius, and many historically celebrated artists.  Twentieth century and contemporary art is represented by Bob Kuhn, Ken Carlson, Robert Bateman, Ken Bunn, yours truly, and many other wildlife artists.

With hundreds of images featured, this volume represents a unique 

achievement in the history of literature devoted to animal art.  

Skagit River Press

ISBN 978-0-9818005-1-6

Telephone: (360) 466-5953

312 Willapa Place

La Conner, WA 98257

http://www.skagitriverpress.com/

 An image of Fox Watch introduces the book's sculpture section

Included, is Fox Rock Mantlepiece

All sculpture - copyright Sandy Scott

Fox Watch 16"H 16"W 9"D

$3200

Fox Rock Mantlepiece 11"H 18"W 6"D

#245 Functional art: "Fox Pair Door Knocker"

Functional art is a significant part of my portfolio, and over the years I have designed many works that can be put to 

practical use.  Collectors enjoy the time-honored and serviceable function of the art and I love creating the sculpture.

Fox Pair Door Knocker

10"H 7"W 3"D

For additional images see Posts #113, 114, 115 on December 20 - 22, 2011.

#196 In the studio: "Loose", con't . . .

To model in a "loose" manner the sculptor must understand structure and shape.  

Random surface marks, lines, and shapes without a meaningful underlying structure 

are not "loose" and can be perceived as sloppy modeling.

"Loose" is how it looks, not how it's done.

Foxrock Mantlepiece

11"H 18"W 6"D

#184 Southwest Art Magazine:

With nearly 40 years of experience, Southwest Art is one of the leading magazines devoted to American Western art. Each issue puts readers in touch with the artists, galleries, and collectors that shape the market.


I was delighted when Southwest Art magazine published a feature article spotlighting my sculpture last year and chose Sleepy Fox for the cover.  It is my second cover for the magazine, the first featured one of my etchings in 1978.

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#50 Remarque: "Sleepy Fox"

I modeled this sculpture from life at the Brookgreen Gardens Zoo while artist in residence.   I was under the influence of my subject and in pursuit of the essence of the animal.  The actual yawn, however, was better realized while observing my cat in the sanctuary of my studio.

Sleepy Fox
18"H 15"W 9"D

Go to the BLOG INDEX on the right for more information.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish

#49 In the field: Brookgreen Gardens Zoo

Included in the 9,200 acre grounds of Brookgreen Gardens is an accredited zoo where I took these photos recently while artist in residence.

Chickens on the Wind

Before modeling my subject I will collect reference

 to use in the studio.  Photography is invaluable.  A

 zoo environment allows me to experience my 

subject up close and personal and make clay

 sketches and studies from life.

Go to the BLOG INDEX on the right for more information.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish

  

#11 Remarque: "Fox Watch"

A fox is a lavishly beautiful animal with a triangular shaped head and a look that a cartoonist would give to the devil!


When designing and modeling a longhaired or fur bearing animal, meaningful shapes and surface passages cannot be accomplished without understanding the subject's skeleton and anatomy.  The sculptor must assist the viewer with strong, simplified structure and understood bony waypoints.


This knowledge is also important when sculpting tomorrow's subject - birds.  Where a quadruped is covered with hair or fur, a bird is covered with feathers and the artist must know what's underneath and how the bones articulate.  

Fox Watch
16"H 16"W 9"D

Go to the BLOG INDEX on the right for more information.

Blog, text, photos, drawings, and sculpture . . . © Sandy Scott and Trish