David Bjurstrom

My original pencil drawings are created entirely in graphite and drawn directly on smooth Claybord™ panel surfaces. The richness and depth of the work is achieved through the application of multiple layers of graphite which is then often blended smooth using many different tools, including blending stumps, soft chamois cloth, tissue, cotton swabs and even, in a pinch, fingers. Only black graphite is used. The white is the original surface of the board. No white is ever added to the drawings. It is this layering and blending, combined with the occasional lifting of graphite using a kneaded rubber eraser, that creates the softness (or texture, as desired) and the range of values from the deepest blacks to the whitest whites. Once a drawing is completed, it is sealed with a sprayed-on fixative and then a final coating of a matte-finish, archival quality varnish – also sprayed on – to give the work permanence and protection. With these protective coatings, additional glass or other coverings are unnecessary. The drawings are very sturdy, stable, and completely unaffected by light, including direct sunlight. Graphite never fades. The finished work can be cared for exactly as a fine oil painting would be cared for.