Iceland: Korpúlfsstađir Studies Begin

Sketch for Esja 1, incised Plexiglass and acrylic on plywood
10 x 12 x ½ in.

In this sketch I have used the Plexiglass to suggest rain and mist in front of the mountain. Esja Mountain is constantly changing. It would be possible to do a whole series of Esja where no two pieces would  be the same.  You have to imagine this image about 1 metre x 2 metres.

Glacier Study 1, graphite and watercolour pencil on paper 10 x 12 in.

The dark areas of this sketch are much blacker than they appear in this photo. The cinders and ash from the last volcanic eruption create a stark contrast to the soft, crumbling surface of the summer ice cap. There are blue-green tints within cracks and fissures. Apparently these can be very dramatic during the winter when the glacier surface is glassy and hard. 

Glacier Study 2, graphite and watercolour pencil on paper 10 x 12 in.

Plexiglass can add crystalline textures to the icy areas of the subject. Mist rising from the ice can be suggested with judicious sanding of the Plexi surfaces.  

As you look at my sketches think of these visual ideas in large formats. I will be working them up once I am back in Canada.  I have already accumulated a large number of photos to use as resource material as well.