Gold Rhino
Original Pen drawing embellished with 23ct gold leaf. A black Rhino coming out of the dark.
In addition to my splash of colour I also add 23ct gold to certain pieces. The effect is indulgent, unique and makes the drawing pop from the paper. This piece was a commission and therefore there are no Giclee prints available.
This drawing is on the same paper as all my original drawings Arches 640gsm and it is white. The black background on Punk Safari Beats is Black 3.0, a light absorbing paint from Culture Hustle. This paint is the closest paint on the market to the famous Vantablack paint, which is unavailable to purchase as the artist Anish Kapoor purchased the rights to it. Vantablack absorbs 99.96% of light and therefore is the blackest colour black. Black 3.0 absorbs between 98 and 99% which is still amazingly impressive, It makes the drawing pop and is extremely effective.
I regularly create commission pieces for clients and am happy to discuss any design. Contact me for more information here.
Statement drawings at this size take up to 150 hrs to complete.
Want to pay in installments for products over the Clearpay limit? no problem. Contact me for more details here
But how?
This is a question I get asked the most about my work. How do I create my drawings in such detail. I am always happy to explain my method and will be hosting workshops on how to draw. If you would like to know more about participating in one then please subscribe on the homepage for more information when it is released.
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Drawing with pen is an instant, unforgiving commitment and one that allows minimum errors.
I compose each idea digitally to construct the concept and correct the composition. After this stage the final digital image is my reference and inspiration. I begin with a basic pencil outline and then I commit with pen. As so much of the paper is clean I use very little pencil. I do not add pen to paper unless I have planned out the drawing first and know exactly how the finished piece will look. This is a very structured but necessary process to ensure the finished work is to my satisfaction.
After considerable experimentation I only use Arches 640gsm Hot Press paper which is of the highest quality and allows flexibility with ink. Arches have been making paper for over 500yrs and their watermark is instantly recognisable. My statement size pieces are 56cm x 76cm due to the size of their classic, flat sheet paper. You will always recognise the watermark in the corners of my original statement works and therefore will know it is an original drawing by Astra.
Unipin Fineliners are my preferred choice of pen. The ink is waterproof and archival, plus they are robust and precise. The colour ink is predominantly Sennelier and I also use Windsor and Newton for some specialist colours. In some of my works I experiment with Golden spray paint.
23ct Gold Leaf
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My original drawings are framed and ready to hang.
A Suffolk-based expert team crafts each frame using primed and sanded wood with a soft-sheen finish.
Each wooden frame is made to order and feature ArtGlass™ anti-reflective and UV protective glass. For a quality finish enabling you to see all the fine detail of the work.
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Statement size works are 56cm x 76cm.
Framed - 76cm x 96cm