Bontebok of the Cape
Rubber tile/block print.
Background is hand-coloured and transferred to paper, with overprinting of the dark areas of the antelope.
Inspired by a visit to the De Hoop Nature Reserve in the Western Cape, South Africa – a very large natural area of approximately 34,000 ha managed by the Cape Nature Conservation.
I believe the Bontebok is an endangered species.
In real life the colours of the Bontebok are chocolate brown and white. In this print I have used a dark blue and white to create an impression of evening/approaching night. But the darker tone also serves to create a more dramatic effect, or contrast, to draw greater attention to the animal shapes and gestures.
Bontebok of the Cape belongs to the following groups:
AFRICAN ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY and Printmakers and Printmaking Available for sale asGreeting Cards, Matted Prints, Laminated Prints, Mounted Prints, Canvas Prints, Framed Prints and Posters
Karin Taylor
lovely, love your print work, and the process described!
:D
Elaine van Dyk replied
Thanks Karin. I’ve started the description thing as I found I’m really interested in how others achieve certain effects, and always look for that in the description myself.
MaryO
Great artwork, it is so vibrant and you can see the tension in the animals, being at their guard.
Elaine van Dyk replied
Thank you MaryO. I’m really pleased to see you picked up on that tension, the constant vigil of totally wild antelope. At the same time the stillness of a remote place.
Martin Derksema
Pfew … you keep amazing me. This is the kind of art that makes my heart sing. I am to tired to say intelligent stuff, but believe me I lóve this work. Shapes, colours, tanquillity, silence, perfection … boy … so good.
Elaine van Dyk replied
FlyBoy, you always make such and effort to write beautifully about peoples’ work, and that is enormously appreciated. But if you become too tired, as we all do, I think everyone would still appreciate even a one-word comment from you because they are genuine.
Cindy Perrinj...
Love the earthy colours int this & the delicate line work contrasted by the solid navy & white antelopes…Such a beautiful piece Whirligig!!!
Elaine van Dyk replied
Lovely feedback from you Cindy! Thanks heaps.
Bernd Jansons
Fabulous result, Elaine.
Elaine van Dyk replied
Very much appreciated coming from you, Bernd.
Shanina Conway
Just love the colours in this Whirli., beautiful comp,..you are right, all the Bubble printmakers should have a feature;)
Elaine van Dyk replied
Thanks Shanina. I’m not sure about all the Bubble printmakers (I’m not thinking about myself in suggesting they be featured), but I do believe there are some really amazing works of art in that group. And it being a little known, or understood art form, it would be so good to have it “out there” to make it more widely appreciated.
pinkyjain
So absolutely beautiful & gorgeous Whirligig, love your work
Elaine van Dyk replied
You’re very kind pinkyjain – lovely comment, thanks.
hugo
This has the feel and color of Africa, and love every measured stroke to animate these animals, magnificent!!!!
Elaine van Dyk replied
Lovely comment, hugo! I’m smiling….......
Sabine Spiesser
You’ve captured the essence of the animals beautifully in line and colour – just fantastic. Well done!
Elaine van Dyk replied
Your comments are so much appreciated Sabine. Thanks.
Imber
Beautiful artwork!
Elaine van Dyk replied
Imber, after seeing your portfolio I feel really honoured to get this comment from you! Thank you.
Leanne Inwood
very nice. I can’t wait till i get to use colour
Elaine van Dyk replied
Colour is fun, but there is a lot to be said for black and white too. Thanks for the comment, termite.
kcranmer
Beautiful artwork and I like the earth tone colors!
Elaine van Dyk replied
Your feedback is appreciated and most welcome. I’m pleased this image appeals to you. Thanks.
Mariaan Krog A...
Looks great. I am sure it will look good when printed on fabric or paper too! I admire you printmaker artists and must admit I know a little about the process. What I do know is how stunning some of these prints look when applied to different mediums. \well done.
Elaine van Dyk replied
Thanks for your feedback Mariaan. It certainly is a very exciting medium to work with, and as you say, can be applied to many different types of surfaces.
Rosina Lamberti
very nice print…i really like your colours
Elaine van Dyk replied
Many thanks for commenting. It’s always difficult to know which variation of a print to post. I have a few variations in colours of this plate, but ended up only showing this one.
Helene Kippert
This is gorgeous whirli
Antanas
great work
Marion Chapman
well this is interesting – hand colour the background first, you say – did you use watercolours? I love the effect. great print.
Elaine van Dyk replied
Thanks Marion. I used oil-based inks for this print. I don’t seem to have much success with water-based printing inks, so normally always use oil-based inks.
Elné Burgers
Amazing! Love your print work!
Elaine van Dyk replied
Thank you very much, Elné.
EnPassant
Nice simplification and shape selection Elaine
Alison Jane Rice
This really shows your STRENGTH, Elaine…decisive and powerful…
Ta muchly for honour of Group Avatar for this week – Printmakers and Printmaking Group ..what a lovely gift for 2009!
shanghaiwu
I 1st saw or noticed wood block when in Japan/this work is so intricate and your work so so wonderful
Elaine van Dyk replied
shanghaiwu, that is such a lovely comment. I am flattered…..thank you very much. Coming from you, with your exquisite work, it is a real honour. I’ve just recently purchased a book on Japanese woodblock prints because I’ve become so intrigued by the fine detail of Japanese work, and I am going to try some of those printmaking techniques. I’ve always felt my own work to be “clumpy” by comparison. Your feedback has been very encouraging.
Petra Pinn
lovely print, beautiful lines and colors!!