This is my third and final stage for drawing the central characters of the two foxes on the lithography stone. Lithography literally means drawing on stone. The beauty of stone is that the artist can use a variety of materials that are pencil or ink-like, or can transfer photos, xerox transfers images, or toner onto the surface for other affects or unusual combinations of sources.
For this image I am working only in lithographic pencil for the figures. I've used photo sources for understanding how fur turns direction, or to see the shape of a fox's eye and head. Then I freely interpret. While drawing I am thinking of the characters in the original folk tale. In Margaret Read MacDonald's book, Peace Tales, the fox story is agreement and problem solving. I also feel it's about being content with one's unique self.
Margaret Read MacDonald's website is http://www.margaretreadmacdonald.com/index.cfm. You can learn more about her other books, storytelling performances, and workshops. The friendship of the foxes is describes as "made of fire and water, the two great riches of the world, and so nothing could break that friendship." I've put a lantern and bucket of water to illustrate these elements. Doesn't that contrast and balance between fire and water make you pause to consider those elements in our lives and communities?
I will next be etching and proofing the litho stone by using gum arabic, nitric acid, water and inks. The etch makes the stone attract ink to the drawing areas and absorb water, resisting inks, to the stone surface that has been changed by etching. Water is absolutely key to lithography. It's part of the "friendship" a printmaker needs with the stone for the image to print successfully. The areas around the foxes will be made with tuche inks, leaves, and a reticulation like watercolor of the watery ink from objects places in the wet surface.
Water is a rich source for art making, stories, and life! A Chinese wisdom saying is:
When you drink the water, remember the spring.
Lantern and bucket are fire and water
Native North Carolina gray fox's different colors!