Reclaiming - SOLD
By Wendy Rhodes
Graphite and Derwent water soluble graphite pencils on Saunders Waterford 640gsm paper
Original artwork
Framed
Image size: H: 56cm x W: 76cm
Framed size: H:76cm x W:97cm
In her drawings and etchings, Wendy works with a monochromatic palette in order to focus attention onto surfaces, structural elements and light. She is drawn to hidden-away rural locations and ancient landscape corners, where nature is taking back control of human interventions in the terrain.
The qualities within the materials that she uses and their potential for mark making are important motivating factors. The sheer range and beauty of the marks she makes need to be seen in the gallery - you just can't appreciate them fully online.
Wendy draws with graphite, water soluble graphite and charcoal and, through these mediums, she is able to thoroughly explore the possibilities of each image. These large and dramatic drawings are remarkable for their variation of tone - to suggest light, shadow, sky movement and distance - and the combination of line and scratch elements.
"This image was composed from plein air sketches and photographs taken on Roundabout Lane, Avening. Tt discusses the relationship between nature and humans - the farmer has reclaimed the field (temporarily) through agriculture and harvesting, nature is doing its best in reclaiming the barn and the gateway - a precarious balance. Ever hopeful for increasing environmental awareness, I’ve placed the gate and the barn in the forefront of the image."
It's rare to see such a large, finished landscape drawing in a gallery these days - but this is a timely reminder of traditional skills and their effectiveness in capturing a scene and a mood.
ABOUT WENDY RHODES
Wendy is a South Cotswold-based artist whose drawing and printmaking reflect her experiences of walking through rural countryside, along coastlines and becoming immersed in place.
"The rural countryside is an imperfect vision of a natural environment that has been shaped by human intervention. Paths are chewed and indented by farm machinery, hedges are cut and fences repaired. Nature does its best to wrench back control; rain washes paths to new shapes, fence posts lean to their own tune and these are the moments that I find fascinating."
Every piece she creates begins with drawing, exploring the structures and textures of footpaths, bridleways and beaches; tracking seasonal and environmental changes. Her approach is informed by writers and artists such as Tim Ingold and John Virtue, both of whom have experiential practices; exploring walking and wayfaring. A similarly immersive approach enables her to document places in a diarist’s format, drawing attention to details, memories and glimpses that build to a whole.
Wendy's background is in teaching and she remains an art tutor to this day. She was Head of Art for 16 years at the acclaimed Katharine Lady Berkeley's School (KLB) in Gloucestershire.