Something about painting that I find so unique is how it allows for a person to preserve a moment, a face, a scene, or even a memory for many more years than it would otherwise last. For example this sign:
This would be an example of a memory being preserved through a painting. This sign was the marker of the Armbruster & Sons Shropshire Sheep farm for many years, as one can see from the age and wear.
Following the passing of his late father, Mr. Mitch Armbruster requested a replica of this memorable sign, his purpose being to preserve the memories and history.
In a project like this one, measuring and planning the slant of the letters and placement of the text is over 50% of the job. First off I created this pencil drawing, getting down the letter placement, size, and slant. The alien sheep in the center was a first attempt and a quick one, merely trying to get the feel for the end product.
What is not pictured is the cutting out of each individual letter, making a sort of stencil. Using those letters and some more measuring, I was able to essentially transfer my pencil drawing to canvas.
The end product: this bad boy. After deciphering the original colors and text, at last the final painting is complete. Perhaps the most motivating factor behind this painting is the family history the sign represents. By restoring what has since corroded to its previous state, the history can now be presented in a way that is true to the original.
Also, it pushed my boundaries as far as animals are concerned. Can you guess what I painted last? That would be the sheep. But now I feel much bolder when it comes to painting the animal kingdom, and am thankful I was given the chance to test my limits.
Thank you to the Armbruster family for the opportunity to recreate this family heirloom.
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Check back next week to find out why these colors are on my palette...
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"Perseverance is failing nineteen times and succeeding the twentieth."
- H. W. Shaw
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