Ross Lake Stairs
Description
“A true sense of place”
The medium of ink and wash inherently lends itself to a quick yet remarkably accurate rendering of a scene, a quality beautifully realized in “Ross Lake Stairs”. By pairing a precise ink line drawing with delicate washes of watercolor, the artist achieves a uniquely balanced aesthetic. As seen in this composition, the structural line drawing is never obliterated by the painted forms, nor is the fluid watercolor shape strictly constrained by the boundary of the line.
The artwork depicts the recognizable signature stairs descending the rugged rock face at the north end of Ross Lake. Adding to the dynamic composition, local spruce trees perch precariously on the steep rock, drawing the viewer’s eye across the terrain. While capturing this specific regional landscape, the illustration also incorporates intimate narrative details—including a small dog waiting at the base and a subtle heart on the hillside—which imbue this commissioned piece with a deeply personal significance unique to the collector.
Artists Reflection
This is the second version I have created of this specific scene in this style. I painted the original piece for the 2017 Square Foot Show at the NorVA Centre. Following a competitive bidding war, the runner-up commissioned me to create a larger rendition featuring a few personal touches. I usually refuse commissions due to the constraints they place on artistic freedom; however, the opportunity to refine and improve upon the initial work convinced me to accept this project.
Having walked and run this path countless times since moving to Flin Flon, the location holds a familiar place in my routine. Revisiting this artwork years after its creation reminds me of my original intention to capture this same scene in the winter. Perhaps I will be brave and head out with my oils and finally fulfill that goal en plein air.