Louisiana artist, Martin J Benoit, WFA has been producing beautiful works in pen-&-ink for over a decade. Flowers in bloom, machinery, people on the move and at rest, scenes of breathtaking beauty; all and more are represented in Martin's works.
Capturing the images of his world in pen-&-ink since the early 1980's, he has fine-tuned his highly-detailed ink works to produce drawings of intense detail. Viewed from a few feet or across a room, the incredible detail of Martin's work gives life and depth to the drawings.
At rest along a busy waterway, two tugs await the call to duty once more. This work was based on a chance photo taken during one of my pilgrimages to see my young daughter in the late 1980's. One of her favorite activities was to ride across the Mississippi River aboard the car ferry that ran between the riverside towns of Vacherie and Lutcher in South Louisiana.
On a fall evening after returning from a visit, with the setting sun casting long shadows and the sky lit a brilliant cobalt blue, I drove onto the ferry. The orange glow on tugboat hulls moored nearby stood out in contrast to the dark blue of the river water and provided me with an opportunity for a great photo. The photo was planned for reference or background, but it was wonderfully composed and I decided on a stand-alone drawing. As an artist and not a photographer, I have the freedom to modify my reference materials as necessary. The photo needed no modifications from me-only that I do it justice with my medium.
The challenge was to contrast the tugs with the water and show the brilliance of the moment. To accomplish this, I used ink dots on the boats and lines with ink dot accents in the water. Ink dot patterns on the hulls of the tugs and barge, heavy in places light and uniform in others, provides depth and contrast and gives a look of rust. Ink dots clusters on the superstructure represent the rust that forms on neglected surfaces.
For the water, horizontal lines were used to indicate the slow sweep of the river and the distorted reflection of the tugs in the water. Initially, just lines for the water proved too harsh for the softness and slow pace the photo portrayed. Adding ink dots in and around the lines and letting them drift out, gave a softening effect and kept the contrast I wanted originally. Finishing up, lessening the lines and dots as the water receded gave the effect of distant water reflecting the last light of the day.
To view the many other works available, visit Martin's website. You'll find information Martin's works, a Q&A page, an Online Catalog, Recommended Sites to visit, and you can register to win a print in his monthly contest.
Emvin Mifsud has taken photography as one of his main hobbies. His first official photographic engagement was to cover the off road scene, organized by the Malta All Wheel Drive Club. Besides sporting events, Envin also enjoys landscape photography. You can communicate with Emvin by clicking here.
(Click here for larger photo)
(Click here for larger version)
Mdina is the old capital of Malta (Valletta replaced it as Malta's capital) and although no one knows exactly when Mdina was founded, pottery dating from the Bronze Age has been found there. This city has had various names Malet; Phoenicians (circa 8 BC), Melita; Romans (circa 250 BC) and Medina; Arabs (870 AD).
The city is fortified with a dry moat and at one time had a wooden draw bridge. The two photographs depict Mdina's majestic placement during the day and lit up at night. Just imagine the place in 1428 when the city withstood the attack of the Turkish empire, 18,000 man strong.
Today Mdina is known as the Silent City with churches, palaces (some of which have been converted to museums) and monasteries. It has only 400 inhabitants.
Historical details from "8 days in Malta & Gozo"; Zammit J; Gutenberg Press; 1992.
Wandering through carpeted blades of green,
through meadows ever pleasant, fragrant. Sauntering
through valleys of richness, hills of spendor.
Wandering with awe struck wonder...wandering.
Hilltops of my mind, visions appear, higher still.
Upwards lofty heights, till no rivers flow.
My eyes never saw, nor any mortal this.
My hopes, my dreams lie before me, below.
A vision or a specter this. A city! City appears
below me, spreading far as I can vision, spreading still.
A virtual city, a city of beauty, my breath away.
Within feelings, feelings of hope and free will.
Downward now, downward still, into green valley.
Downward and upward; upward in heart, upwards rejoice.
Came' found a new beginning, came life now renewed.
A City there, a city awaits. A city of choice.
Virtual city, Geo city, city given life, given.
Given Dreams, given these things I know.
Living, breathing, soul of mankind, love of all,
Love resides this city, these feelings will show.
Show in deeds, show in ever returning glory,
Glory in hopes, glory in knowing, never pondering.
My heart, my soul, my all, resides now here.
Heart stilled, mind free, of endless wandering.
Steve C. Jones' web page is at http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Acropolis/1915.
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