As a graphic designer and portrait artist, I am familiar with the need to please a customer. As an art fair exhibitor, I enjoy the freedom to explore various subjects and techniques, but I still have the need to consider what people want to buy. I do not look at this as a problem, but a challenge. 

I like to draw with minimal pencil coverage. I like to define the subject with its highlights and shadows and let the paper take part in the final result. I try to achieve a sculpted, dimensional affect to my drawings. 

When drawing a portrait of a person or animal, the likeness had to be right. I begin with that goal when drawing inanimate objects, then explore ways to capture beauty that cannot be captured by a photograph.

I want to make natural light the star of my drawings. In the rough worn finish of an old tool or the sharp angular reflections in glass, the detail of light makes the subject come to life.

Glen Etheridge