Pencil Sketches as part of my Tree Series

I am excited by the pencil sketches that I am doing as part of my tree series. I just love the simplicity of pencil and paper. I am also enjoying teh hikes I am taking along the Mountain To Sea trail as part of my "research". 

 

Mountain to Sea Trail Drawing...is it finished?

I have considered this drawing finished a few times. Here is my 1st stopping point. The grass in the foreground is still very light; no clouds and the barbed wire disappears behind the trees. This wonderful field is along the Blue Ridge Parkway where the Mountain to Sea trail runs besides it. 

Returning to it a second time, I added the nails and other hardware to the fence post, then darkened the grasses. I thought I was done, again. 

I spent some time with the drawing again and decided it was not complete. I added the clouds and blended the foreground grasses together in some places. I then added more discarded hardware and the Mountain to Sea Trail blaze to the tree. Am I finished...we'll see. 

 

Drawing 9 from my Tree Series is part of McColl Center for Visual Art Benefit Sale

One of my Tree Series of drawings is in McColl Center’s Benefit Art Sale! Your ticket to the sale + auction on October 29 supports artists like me. Get $20 off with my code ARTIST20 now! If you have never been to the McColl Center is is just wonderful!

mccollcenter.org/benefit-art-sale-2020
@mccollcenter
#mccollcenter

Boyd Mountain Sketching

The grassy fields of Boyd Mountain Christmas Tree farms are so fun to draw because the perspective is easy. The fields recede into the background evenly; the trees are similar sizes most of the time; there are wonderful hills in the distance; and the sky is full of clouds! 

Sketching at Boyd Mountain

Continuing my sketching of trees and landscapes in the NC mountains. These two sketches are in Waynesville, NC at a local Christmas Tree Farm. I had a great time doing much of these drawings with blending and smearing. 

 

The Charlotte Business Journal talks to Wil Bosbyshell

The Charlotte Business Journal talks to Wil Bosbyshell 

Tell us about Komen Fireworks? 

My architectural work focuses on the interaction between architectural silhouettes and the surrounding sky (or fireworks). I seek deep shadows at night, and then transform architectural detail into massive shapes against the shadows and light. I like to achieve unique perspectives from common, but overlooked vantage points.  

Where are you from? What brought you to Charlotte? (or if from Charlotte, what has kept you here?)

I was born in Florida, but spent my first and many subsequent summers in Banner Elk. Being a kid from Florida, you head to North Carolina for the cool air so you can wear a jacket and socks. After spending my summers in NC at camps like Camp Kanuga and Camp Cheerio, I finally moved here in 1992. 

What is your opinion of the Charlotte art scene?

It’s picking up at a steady rate; I wish it were faster! The range of art expression in venues, events and exhibitions like The Charlotte Art League, C3, Goodyear Arts, Elder Gallery, the McColl Center and The Mint is very exciting. I’ve been part of the Charlotte art scene for decades, and I can say that right now, Charlotte has many talented artist’s with a lot to say! 

What is your favorite or most inspirational place in the Charlotte area?

I like nature and being outside, so the US National White Water Center is awesome fun. Camp North End is a great combination of art, music and food and interesting architecture as well. The Mint’s awesome exhibitions of local artists recently have been a great edition to more it’s more national shows. I love the Mint’s 4th floor! 

What inspires you? What inspired this piece/idea?

I am inspired by what I observe and experience in real life. That can include the texture of bark on a tree or the dramatic light and color of fireworks or a camp fire. Reality is beautiful and fascinating.  

How did you start making art?/Why do you make art?

I was drawing before I can remember; I can’t stop myself from drawing and painting. I failed 2nd grade because I was drawing instead of paying attention. My life works better if I can get to my studio and draw! 

Who are your biggest influences?

Andrew Wyeth is so amazing as an artist; his watercolors are full of life and spontaneity. Locally, Andy Braitman and Harris Holt really influenced me as an artist. 

How have you developed your career?

Teaching art makes me a better artist. Being around other artists at the Charlotte Art League keeps me on my toes! 

How do you seek out opportunities?

I try to be open and listen to what is going on and to that voice in my head saying, “create”. 

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

“Lead an ordinary life and make extraordinary art!” Cornel Rubino said that to me in a class I took with him. 

What is the biggest challenge you face professionally?

To stay focused on the art and make the time to get to my studio. 

What is your dream project?

I am looking to leverage the Tree Series in partnership with an organization to help bring awareness and change in behavior with regard to climate issues. Potential partners can reach me at mbosbyshell@aol.com. 

Most people like and are familiar with trees, especially in Charlotte the “Tree City”. My Tree Series could be an entry point in the discussion about the complex issue of climate change. My Tree Series seeks to personalize trees to engage the viewer. I want my tree drawings, and the viewer’s understanding of how they relate to world climate events, to be universally accessible. The Series brings trees into our daily conversation so we can talk about climate change in a way that is personal to us. 

Drawing Released from Quarantine!

 

One of my drawings got the COVID virus and has been quarantined since March. Well… not really. The drawing, number one in the Tree Series was part of an exhibition in Cary, NC. The exhibit evolved from in person to virtual, but the building where the exhibition was to take place was closed for three months. The drawing has since recovered fully and returned to my studio in Charlotte. So a happy ending for all concerned!