Mark Hewatt

Tag: pastoral

  • Flowers and Undergrowth

    Flowers and Undergrowth

    I am sharing a new piece today that steps away from the ink and mixed media for a moment to focus entirely on pure pencil work. There is a specific kind of quiet intimacy that comes with a graphite study—it feels like a direct, unfiltered look into the sketchbook.

    This drawing is a study of the wild, tangled details of the undergrowth. My main goal was to play with extreme contrast and negative space. By heavily shading the background to create a deep, soft, almost hazy shadow, I was able to push the untouched white of the cold press paper forward. This allows the delicate petals of the flowers to catch the light and practically glow against the darkness.

    To keep the composition from feeling too heavy, I used sweeping, thin lines for the tall grasses. That fine linework gives the piece a lot of kinetic energy, which balances perfectly against the heavier, more textured shading in the centers of the blooms.

    It is a quiet observation of the forest floor, relying entirely on shifting values to find the light hidden in the shadows.

    Technical Details:

    • Mitsubishi graphite pencils
    • 9×12 140lb cold press

  • Mountain Stream and Masonry

    Mountain Stream and Masonry

    There is a quiet permanence in a stone bridge that I find endlessly compelling, especially against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unlike the shifting water beneath it or the skeletal branches of the trees above, the bridge stands as a testament to craftsmanship and time.

    In this piece, I wanted to capture that contrast. The challenge was in the sheer variety of textures found in this mountain landscape: the jagged, individual faces of the foreground rocks, the weathered masonry of the bridge, and the delicate, almost ethereal network of the winter trees.

    Working in this monochromatic style allows me to focus entirely on the “architecture” of the scene—how light hits a rough surface versus how it filters through a dense thicket. It’s a meditative process of building layers to find the true weight of the place.

    Technical Details:

    • Mitsubishi graphite pencils
    • 9×12 140lb cold press

  • Illustration: Southern Barn in Late Winter

    Illustration: Southern Barn in Late Winter

    Pencil drawing of a small barn along the roadside in late southern winter.

    Technical Details:

    • Arteza graphite pencils
    • 9×12 140lb cold press

  • Illustration: Solitary Summer

    Illustration: Solitary Summer

    Illustration of an abandoned shack at the peak of an old farm field.

    Technical Details:

    • Arteza graphite pencils
    • 9×12 140lb cold press
  • Arrowhead

    Arrowhead

    Date taken: 3/28/26
    Camera: Pentax istDL
    ISO 200 | 1/1000
    M42 Petri 1.8/55

  • Fence in a Field

    Fence in a Field

    Camera: Nikon D5000
    ISO 200 | F/5.3 | 1/80
    Sigma 55-200mm

  • Flowers in a field with fence

    Flowers in a field with fence

    Date taken: 4/30/2011
    Camera: Nikon D5000
    ISO 200 | F/8 | 1/60
    Sigma 55-200mm

  • Rows of Hay at Rockwell Church

    Rows of Hay at Rockwell Church

    Date taken: 10/20/2012
    Camera: Nikon D5000
    ISO 400 | F/8 | 1/60
    55mm Focal Length

  • Roadside Barn

    Roadside Barn

    Nestled within this pastoral landscape stands an old barn, its wooden facade weathered by years of sun, rain, and snow. The once-blue paint now peels away, revealing the raw texture of time. This barn has witnessed seasons change, heard laughter echo through its rafters, and sheltered both livestock and memories. Wild grasses sway around it, their delicate dance a testament to nature’s artistry. And beyond, a canopy of trees stands tall, their leaves whispering secrets to the wind. Here, in the heart of simplicity, the old barn stands as a silent witness to life’s ebb and flow.

    Technical Details

    • Medium: Acrylic
    • Surface: Canvas board
    • Dimensions: 9×12
  • Hodges Mill Field

    Hodges Mill Field

    This image is like a breath of fresh air, capturing the serene beauty of the countryside. The golden hues of a field, rich and warm, stretch out to meet a sky painted with soft blues and whites. Hay bales, scattered artistically across the field, add an element of rustic charm. They’re like nature’s own sculptures, standing as silent witnesses to the changing seasons. A white fence runs through the landscape, leading the eye to a cozy house nestled amidst lush greenery. It’s one of those homes that looks like it has countless stories tucked away within its walls.

    The sky is a masterpiece in itself – clouds dance gracefully across it, casting shadows and light in an intricate ballet. There’s something about their formation that stirs up a mix of emotions; they’re both dramatic yet peaceful at the same time. The trees stand tall and proud against this backdrop, their leaves rustling softly in an unseen breeze. Every brush stroke on this canvas tells a tale of nature’s timeless elegance; it’s a scene that makes you want to step right in and get lost for awhile.

    Technical Details

    • Medium: Acrylic
    • Surface: Stretched Canvas
    • Dimensions: 18×24

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