In an earlier post I mentioned an exhibition at the University of Connecticut of Rex Brasher's prints. I hoofed it over to the State Museum of Natural History one day after work, had the gallery space to myself, and browsed the collection in a quiet solitude that I imagine the artist himself would have recognized.
The simple display invited close inspection, and I thoroughly enjoyed the ability to stand six inches from the Short-eared Owl to take in the brilliance of the golden eyes and the detail of the fine feathering framing that piercing stare.
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| Rex Brasher's Short-eared Owl |
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| detail, Short-eared Owl, Rex Brasher, artist |
Remember, all of these pieces are black and white lithographs which the artist then hand-colored with airbrush. When I look at the face of this owl I first see the intense ferocity of the predator and second the artistry that captured that gaze. A bright reflection in the upper left corner and a simple glaze of gray suggesting the nictitating membrane, together create the curvature and depth of the owl's eye. Masterful!
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| Rex Brasher's Red-headed Woodpeckers |
Having just worked on my own painting of woodpeckers, I appreciate the thought that goes into this composition. Two birds are more dynamic than one, a bit of foliage suggests the type of tree the species might favor and the bark detail is inviting but not overwhelming.
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| detail of the male Red-headed Woodpecker, Rex Brasher, artist |
Can I say again - remember - these are black and white lithographs, handpainted. The planning that goes into such a feat is staggering, and Brasher repeated it how many hundreds of times? Eight hundred and seventy four species, one hundred sets of prints.
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