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“Blacks Beach” (41 in. x 24 in.) This is one of my favorite pieces because of the way the wood grain flows throughout the scene. You can see the pattern of the wood in the sky, the foreground water, and even the spray coming off the wave. Most of the time I begin a piece by looking at the wood and trying to imagine a scene that fits with the pattern of the grain. This one was more difficult because it was a commission and I had to find a piece of wood that would fit a specific scene. Image: Nathan Ledyard
My art career began a few years ago when started painting on canvas, but it wasn’t until I discovered carving and painting wood that I truly came into my own as an artist. Since I began working with wood, my art has evolved from flat paintings to the three-dimensional carvings that have come to exemplify my style. At the same time I was developing my carving skills, I became increasingly interested in finding ways to incorporate the wood grain into my pieces. I start by looking at the wood itself, and then I try to tap into my experiences surfing and watching waves to come up with a scene that works with the grain pattern. For me, it is easier and more enjoyable than starting with a blank canvas, and I find that helps me keep my work fresh and organic.