Creating Elysian Fields – 15-09-25

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Impressionism Meets Surrealism

This graphite pencil drawing ‘Elysian Fields – 15-09-25’ combines impressionism with a bit of surrealism. Two elephants in the back and why not? Perhaps the scenery needed some excitement. Foremost, this place holds special significance for me. Back in 2008 I made an oil painting under the same name. It must have been ages ago since I visit the place for the first time. That was back in the 70s together with my parents. The name ‘ Elysian Fields’ does justice to the place: meadows of pure tranquility amidst forests against hill slopes. If you ever visit Nijmegen, promise me you will visit this place as well.

Repoussoirs and Contrast

Some weeks ago I went for a walk up there. Farther to the right in the back you can follow a path to the Natte Beek. There I drew some cows with view on Persingen’s little church. Obviously, at least to me, that was the first drawing I would like to make. Second was this view on these fields, coming from the Ravenberg. These kinds of views with some tree branches serving as repoussoirs are the best. Actually, when you’re standing over there it’s quite boring from an artistic point of view. Indeed, you can look around and see beauty in each and every direction. However, it’s a lot of grass indeed. Therefor, contrast is what I’m looking for. Basically one thing supplements another: darkness and light, thin lines against massive structures, etc. Now you know what drives me the most.

Dutch Elephants

The elephants have become something special to me. First appearing in my drawing ‘The Last of the Dutch Elephants – 12-05-16’ occasionally they return. Not very often though because they are shy. They are also rare. In fact, there aren’t many Dutch elephants around anymore. Certainly not extinct but they more or less carefully choose the moment to show themselves. Who knows, when you quiet down in these surroundings you might be able to see them yourself eventually.

Graphite pencil (Faber Castell Pitt Graphite Matt pencil 14B) drawing on Talens Bristol paper (21 x 29.7 x 0.1 cm)
Artist: Corné Akkers