C.J. Bradford

Pen & ink have been used by artists for thousands of years. Although the tradition of creating solely in pen & ink is more common in Europe and Asia, many fine examples are found in the history of American art. I use drafting pens (in sizes ranging from 04 to 0) and India waterproof ink. My paper is the highest quality, acid-free, cold press cotton paper. While other media can age and fade over time, pen & ink drawings will last as long as the paper on which they are drawn. The underlying quality of permanence serves as a foundation for the thoughts and moods that are subsequently conveyed in the artistic expression.Most of my drawings begin as a single statement in my mind. From that statement, I begin, mentally, to sketch out the basic design for the representation of that thought. Once I have the picture sketched mentally, I create a basic pencil sketch on paper to be used for the drawing. This sketch includes only the major design, I begin inking the drawing. The small details are worked out as the single statement unfolds on the paper to become a conversation between the viewer and me.