“It’s all in the detail,” says Darrell Windjack. The Canadian artist has a penchant for detail in his diverse body of work, and it’s one of the first things viewers notice. At times, there’s also an abstract element to his works, which are rendered primarily in colored pencil. “I’m often asked if my art is pastel or watercolor as it exudes a softness and peaceful sense to it—no shock value! I’m quick to respond that it’s all colored pencil in most cases,” he says.
Spellbound at Fort Edmonton, colored pencil on paper, 10 x 12"
The Mighty Grand, colored pencil on paper, 11 x 16"
His piece The Mighty Grand captures a view at the top of the Grand Canyon in Arizona. “A visit to the monumental Grand Canyon National Park sealed the deal on creating The Mighty Grand. The sacredness of the site inspired me to produce on-site sketches culminating with the one selected for this piece,” says Windjack. “Over the ages many artists have taken a crack at capturing the grandeur of the canyon. While I was mesmerized by the panoramic view, I was drawn more to this little spot with a tree and bush perched on the southern rim. My goal was to present the aged texture of the tree as well as the resilience and toughness it exudes under these harsh, dry conditions, much like the rock formations it overlooks.”
Sitting Pretty, colored pencil on paper, 14 x 16"
Sitting Pretty depicts a well-loved teddy bear propped up on a plastic pink chair, “wondering when the rest of his tea party friends will arrive.” The artist adds, “This childhood memory or something similar is etched in many adult minds.”
A relatively new artist, Windjack is drawn to many subject matters but particularly to architecture and sculpture. The overall composition is most important to him, but it’s that refined detail that adds depth and emotion to each work. Windjack is a signature member of the Federation of Canadian Artists. —
Powered by Froala Editor
