The large-scale graphite drawings by artist Ethan Murrow are exquisite in their detail and intriguing in their subject matter. Crafting monumental compositions, he infuses imagination into his work, depicting scenes that straddle the line between reality and fantasy. We see a monkey sitting in a boat at sea and looking contemplative as it moves along. In another water-centric image, Murrow features a large elephant in the oceans as divers prepare to meet the creature. His drawings seem to be set in the past because we see characters clad in now-vintage fashions. So, it’s no surprise that the artist says he’s inspired by events in history, particularly those of the United States.
These works are incredible in the amount of skill that Murrow demonstrates. He has the ability to render the tiniest details and shows a great range of value throughout each drawing. Subtleties are not lost in his work, which is part of what makes them so alluring to view. Interesting subject matter and a gorgeous technique beg you to look at them for awhile.
