Points of Precision

A strong focal point and attention to detail make Nicola Jane's artwork jump off the page

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Ab s a wildlife artist, I have always been drawn to the vibrant and diverse colors of nature. My preferred medium is colored and graphite pencils, which allow me to capture the intricate details and textures of my subjects. One of the challenges I set for myself is to create an image that feels alive, as if it could leap off the page. To achieve this, I focus on trying to capture the essence of the animal, rather than aiming for a photorealistic representation. Recently, I have been working more in graphite again, as I enjoy the challenge of only using one color to create depth and dimension in my artwork, trying to make my artwork appear three-dimensional and visually engaging. Graphite, with its wide tonal range, is an ideal medium to achieve this effect. By carefully employing shading techniques and varying the pressure applied to the pencil, I can create a gradation of values that mimics the play of light and shadows. This creates the illusion of depth, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in the artwork. By building up multiple layers of graphite, removing areas and building this up again, I can enhance the contrast and add richness to my drawings, making each stroke contribute to the overall depth and realism of the piece. The versatility of gra