ENDANGERED: Fine Art & Photography Contest 2023 Submission - Fine Art Category

Art has always been a part of my life. Shortly after graduating with a B.F.A. from Rochester Institute of Technology, I discovered using colored pencils as a fine art medium. I work realistically and I like the smooth texture and fine details that can be achieved with colored pencils.

Inch by Inch was inspired by the Giant Tortoises I had the privilege of seeing during a recent trip to Santa Cruz Island in the Galapagos. They are such amazing creatures. Giant Tortoises can eat up to 80 lbs. of food a day but can also store food and water so well that they can survive without eating or drinking for up to a year.

My piece was done with colored pencils and erasers on Grafix drafting film using a process called drawing by subtraction. After coating the film with a pencil wash, I began by erasing and slowly building up color layer by layer. I enjoy the process of watching my painting slowly emerge.