The Spotting Scope

"The Spotting Scope" on Ampersand Clayboard (1/4" deep).
On a trip to Costa Rica, I did some nature hikes with a local guide in the old-growth forests. He was terrific at spotting animals up in the trees. We would view them through a high-power spotting scope (similar to binoculars but with only one lens). I loved viewing the world through the microcosm of a small circle. It made me focus on a tiny aspect of the greater jungle around us, ignoring everything around me. As an artist, I also like to create that focused direction in my artwork. I lead the viewer to what I want them to see through the use of color, shape, value, and line.