Art should be serious and I paint what I know

In this drawing, I employed an airbrush along with India ink to effectively create a rich sense of value and tone, allowing for a more dynamic and visually engaging representation. The airbrush technique, with its ability to produce soft gradients and subtle transitions between light and shadow, is crucial for conveying depth and dimensionality in the artwork. This method enables the creation of a smooth, almost ethereal quality that enhances the visual experience, drawing the viewer into the scene. The airbrush allows for meticulous control over the application of paint, resulting in a seamless blending of colors that can evoke a range of emotions and atmospheres. India ink, known for its deep, rich black color, served as the perfect medium to accentuate the contrasts and enhance the overall visual impact of the piece. Its permanence and intensity provide a striking counterpoint to the softer airbrush effects, allowing for bold outlines and dramatic highlights that can bring a sense of clarity and focus to specific areas of the drawing. The interplay between the fluidity of the airbrush and the starkness of the India ink creates a harmonious balance that elevates the overall composition. The image that inspired this drawing was derived from an old family photograph, captured a few years prior to my birth. This particular photograph holds significant sentimental value, as it has been a constant presence in my life, often revisited during family gatherings and nostalgic moments. The photograph is more than just an image; it is a tangible connection to my family's history, encapsulating a moment in time that resonates deeply with me. Over the years, I have developed a profound connection to this image; it has transformed into a cherished memory, imprinted in my mind, serving as a reminder of the bonds that tie us together. The subjects within the photograph, their expressions, and the context of the moment captured have become familiar to me, almost as if I had lived through that very experience myself. Each face tells a story, each smile carries a memory, and each glance reflects a shared history that transcends the boundaries of time. This intimate relationship with the photograph not only motivated me to recreate it through my drawing but also allowed me to infuse the artwork with personal emotions and reflections that are deeply rooted in my experiences and family narratives. As I worked on the piece, I found myself reminiscing about the stories and histories associated with the people depicted, which added layers of meaning to my artistic process. The act of drawing became not just a technical endeavor but a journey through memory and familial connection, bridging the past and the present through the medium of art. Each stroke of the airbrush and each careful application of India ink served as a conduit for my emotions, allowing me to explore themes of nostalgia, love, and the passage of time. The drawing, therefore, evolved into a celebration of my heritage, a tribute to the individuals who have shaped my life, and a visual narrative that captures the essence of who we are as a family. This process of creation was not merely about replicating an image; it was about honoring the memories that have defined my existence and expressing the profound impact of those who came before me.

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Family: Drawing from old family picture c. 1955-57, Ink on Paper, Airbrush, Sheet Size: 22" x 30", 2019

Cherished Memory

By Eric Buechel

In the heart of a home, where laughter resides, A tapestry woven with love as our guide, Moments like whispers, soft echoes of time, In the warmth of our family, life's sweetest rhyme.

Gathered around, the table we share, Stories and secrets float sweet in the air, With each passing glance, a bond that we weave, In the fabric of memory, we learn to believe.

Through seasons of joy, through trials we stand, Hand in hand, together, we weather the land, The echoes of childhood, like songs in the breeze, In the garden of moments, our hearts find their ease.

From grandmothers' tales to the laughter of youth, Each cherished memory, a treasure of truth, In photographs fading, yet vibrant they stay, In the heart's quiet corners, they never decay.

So here's to the family, the roots that we share, In the book of our lives, each chapter laid bare, With love as our compass, together we roam, In the cherished memories, we've built our true home.

Eric Buechel Fine Art

P.O. Box 277

Pleasant Hill Tennessee 38578

(931) 881-7806

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