Will Armstrong

The artist tells stories in multiple layers; starting by preparing the canvas with an intricate collage. Vintage show posters, sheet music, maps and book pages are used. The collage is white-washed, tea-stained and sealed before the painting can begin. At this point, the artist starts the sketching process, using soft-lead pencils and watercolor pastels. When the line work is complete, the artist begins to choose the perfect line from his sketch work, by outlining it in a heavy-body ink using pen quills and Chinese lettering brushes. When the line work is complete, the extraneous sketch lines are erased and rubbed into the surface of the painting to create a shadow. The depth and shading of the work is created, using loose graphite and an ink wash. If a piece benefits from color, the artist will finish the painting with pigments, oils or acrylics, depending on the impact needed.