‘Drawn from Nature’ shows the work of four different artists: Alan Woollett, Tianyin Wang, Helen Kennedy and Wynona Legg. Drawn studies and sketches have always been an integral part of the artistic process. This exhibition, however, celebrates drawing as an artform itself. ‘Drawing is the honesty of art. Playing with contrast, shape and tone are such a joy’ (Tianyin Wang). The work on show is testament to the skill and expertise of the four artists and demonstrates the wide range of techniques this medium can offer.
A keen birdwatcher from an early age, Alan Woollett’s passion for birds is evident in his exquisite and detailed drawings. Alan’s skill of observation, along with his background in graphic design and illustration, has clearly influenced his distinctive and technical style.
By contrast artist Tianyin Wang’s drawings of birds and animals are made with the absence of a drawn line. Instead, his work uses the monochrome palette of charcoal to capture tone, texture and motion. You can see from his work that Tianyin enjoys capturing the ‘details and movement that make up his subject’s spirit’.
Artist Helen Kennedy is never without her sketchbook and describes ‘drawing as the base on which all her work rests’. Helen’s work always begins outdoors, where she finds her inspiration. She will often be found lying in the long grass closely watching the hidden world of bugs.
Nurtured by a life spent working in wildlife conservation, Wynona Legg has a deep understanding of her subject matter. This informs the expression of her marks which are made using inks, graphite, charcoal and soft pastel. Wynona’s drawings are full of vibrancy and movement. She explains that ‘when drawing out in the field, there is an intimacy in the connection you make with the subject in that moment of time. A visual translation of the sense of place through marks, and the experience of sharing space with something other than yourself’.
Whilst the styles explored in this exhibition are very different, what unites all four artists is their shared passion for the natural world and love for the medium. Each artist offers a completely unique way of expressing their subject matter and invites you to experience a connection through the visual language of drawing.
