Refraction of the Sky / Original 18×24 Pen & Ink Watercolor Portrait on Archival Paper

From the studio of contemporary artist Thomas Hill in New Mexico comes this 18" x 24" pen and ink with watercolor on heavyweight white art paper self-portrait. Included is an intriguing original poem written by the artist in the upper left-hand corner.

Created entirely by hand, this original artwork combines pen and ink with watercolor on archival paper. The drawing layers an expressive self-portrait with loose handwritten language, delicate ink marks, transparent watercolor washes, and fragments of thought that move organically around the figure.

The handwritten words are an integral part of the composition rather than conventional typography, giving the work the immediacy of a personal journal, sketchbook page, and finished portrait at the same time. Fine black linework contrasts with subtle washes of pink, green, ochre, blue, and warm neutral tones, while the oversized portrait dominates the composition.

This listing is for the actual original artwork shown—not a print, reproduction, digital download, or T-shirt. There is only one original.

This is an expressive and detailed portrait of a bearded man with glasses. The artwork is rich with vibrant colors and intricate linework. Much attention has been given to the textures, such as the fine lines depicting beard stubble, as well as the lifelike rendering of the subject's eyes, which appear deep and thoughtful. The man's facial expression suggests contemplation or seriousness.
The portrait is framed within what resembles a bamboo border, creating a distinct separation between the subject and the text-filled background. The background contains various phrases written in an uneven, hand-drawn style, and the choice of font sizes and styles adds a dynamic and somewhat chaotic feel to the written elements. The colors of the text vary, with some letters standing out in bold red, while others recede in more muted tones. This compositional choice emphasizes the artwork's intertwining of visual and literary components, encouraging the viewer to consider both the portrait and the text as parts of a unified narrative.

thomashillart.com

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