BLACK AND WHITE, NO GREY.

This may come as a minor revelation of sorts, but I honestly don't like working in pen and ink very much. I understand pretty well how it's used, and why though I've never had a true affection for it. It just isn't, well, me.

I have nothing but the utmost respect for masters of the medium, J.C. Cole, and his contemporaries. And Windsor-Smith seems to have ink in his soul, as does J. Muth: but me? Well, it's always a trial. The "big black" guys, Toth and the like that can make whole pictures out of great swoops and dots of black ink stun me into silence. I often think that someday I've got to try that and see if I can get close to that way of seeing. There's the reality of it; "seeing". I simply don't see that way, in ink. I see in grey. In pencil. Soft and subtle and silver.

But, for now, ink it is. At least until this book is done, then we'll see something different maybe. The next book may be a whole new thing. I hope it is.

Peace,

M.Z.

DISCOVERIES.

About a year ago, perhaps a bit more or less, on a whim I picked up a twelve pack of Graphitint water soluble pencils from my art supply store. What appealed to me right away as the claim of tonality like graphite while having subtle color ranges. Sounded good. I'm always on the lookout for anything that will expand the possibilities of communicating ideas in fresh ways.

On several occasions I've been less that enthusiastic about a choice of product, but I have to say, this time I was very pleasantly surprised.

It took only a moment to realize I had a winner. Those of you familiar with my "unknown Dervish" series will see the results. As of this writing, I've only just begun to tap the potential of the medium. I love the the "pencilness" of them as well as the tonal warmth and control when used with water. With a light fixative they can be layered and worked wet on dry and dry on wet, making for wonderful images. As time permits, I'll be pushing into new areas with them for sometime.

The first image is an example of the color range and the second a new "Unknown Dervish" piece soon to in the gallery.

I bought a twelve pack first, then a twenty-four pack, and as soon as I'm able, the can size advertised. An investment well realized.

I'll be back sometime fairly soon with images from the "The Fracture of the Universal Boy" and a discussion of just "what's going on here". At this point, the book being three quarters finished art-wise, I feel it's about time I started showing some of it off . There is so much that went into every aspect of it that before it ever sees print, I'd like to avail myself of this space to make clear a few bits and bobs that went into it's making.

Join me?

You're invited.

M.Z.

IN THE BEGINNING.

IN THE BEGINNING.

Things will be posted here as soon as possible

I'm awaiting images I can show and discuss. I beg your patience.

It will be rewarded.

M.Z.