Category: News

The warmth of Apple Wood

12×9″

I love working with apple wood and watching it develop from a log to firewood to a beautiful warm piece of sculpted wood. By splitting the log naturally with an axe I follow ithe grain rather than forcing it, and allowing the character of the tree to help determine the final form.

This hand-carved piece emerged as a simple, organic shape: strong and grounded at its base, then rising into a smooth, gently curving form. I’ve deliberately retained some of the natural marks, grain and imperfections of the wood, allowing its history to remain visible.

The warm tones of the apple wood change beautifully with the light, revealing subtle variations in color and texture as you move around the piece. For me, it sits somewhere between landscape and figure — abstract enough to allow you to decide what you see.

Hand-carved apple wood. One of a kind.

#WoodSculpture #AppleWood #ContemporarySculpture #AbstractSculpture #WoodArt #HandCarved #OrganicForm #ContemporaryArt #SculptureArt #OriginalArt #ArtFromNature

A Private Conversation (Graphite on Paper)

I’ve always been drawn to the quiet elegance of Sandhill Cranes. There is something about their posture, height, and their graceful movements, the way they seem so completely at ease with one another that made me stop and watch them when I lived in Northern Florida.

For this illustration, I wanted to keep the composition and outline simple to let the beauty of the birds speak for itself. Working in graphite allowed me to focus on the subtle changes in light, the softness of their feathers, and the strong, graceful lines that make Sandhill Cranes so distinctive. I especially enjoyed capturing the different poses—one standing tall and confident, the other turning with a gentle curiosity—as they seemed to tell a story without needing any background or distractions.

To me, Sandhill Cranes represent grace and dignity, absolute patience, and  quiet strength found in their  lifestyle.  My hope is that this drawing brings a sense of peace and reminds you to appreciate those calm moments in nature that often leave the deepest impression.

Notecards Available $6 plus postage. Email: hollowellstudios@gmail.com

Graphite on paper

This dynamic pencil drawing captures a fleeting moment of survival in the natural world. A powerful Bald Eagle descends from above with wings fully extended, its razor-sharp talons reaching toward a fleeing rabbit in a dramatic display of speed, precision, and instinct. The sweeping arc of the eagle’s wings dominates the composition, conveying both the grace and immense power of North America’s iconic raptor. I used to photograph these magnificent birds in Washington State, sometimes getting close on cliff tops as they perched high in the fir trees.

This drawing is rendered entirely in graphite, using careful shading and fine textural detail to distinguish the eagle’s layered feathers, piercing gaze, and muscular form. In contrast, the small rabbit, frozen in mid-flight, emphasizes the tension between predator and prey, highlighting the relentless balance of nature.

The generous white space surrounding the figures heightens the sense of movement, allowing the viewer to imagine the chase continuing beyond the page. Rather than depicting the moment of capture, I focused on the anticipation—the split second when instinct, speed, and survival converge.

The result is a study of wildlife that celebrates both the majesty of the Bald Eagle and the drama inherent in the natural world.

Graphite on Paper

This graphite drawing captures a quiet moment from the smaller natural world. A purposeful ladybug stealthily clings to the stem of a plant while a small insect make its way unaware of its predator, creating a subtle narrative of intentional coexistence. Rendered with delicate shading and careful attention to form, the composition draws attention to the outlines often overlooked in everyday encounters with insects.

The subtle monochromatic pencil lines allow the textures of the insects and the plant stem to emerge with remarkable clarity, inviting the viewer to pause and appreciate the intricate elegance of natures insect world. 

A Pyrographic Portrait of Africa’s Legendary Tomato Thief

Tolstoy is a hand-burned pyrographic portrait celebrating one of Africa’s most unforgettable elephants. Rendered on natural cherry wood, the artwork captures Tolstoy’s calm intelligence and commanding presence through intricate burn lines and rich tonal shading that reveal the texture of his weathered skin.

Tolstoy became famous not for his size alone and being a rare tusker, but for his remarkable habit of raiding local tomato fields, earning him the affectionate nickname “The Tomato Thief.” His true story is the subject of the acclaimed documentary Tolstoy the Tomato Thief, directed by American filmmaker Kire Godal, which explores the complex relationship between wildlife and the people who share the landscape.

I first heard about Tolstoy’s story when the filmmaker Kire Godal was a guest on season 2 of the AART podcast. His magnificent presence inspired an oil painting which is now part of my signature collection. Notecards are also available.

The warm tones of the wood complement the earthy character of the elephant, while the simplicity of the composition invites viewers to look beyond the legend and see the intelligence, resilience, and individuality of one of Africa’s most beloved wild elephants.

Cherry Wood

10x9x3/4”

Exclusive pyrographic art.

Capturing in the quiet stillness of an early summer morning

Photography by Chris Stafford

This photograph reveals a lone tree emerging from a blanket of dense fog as I cycled at first light down a still gravel road as the Mourning Dove greeted the day. The soft, diffused light strips the landscape to its essential forms breaking through the horizon, allowing the silhouette of the tree to become both the focal point.

As the first light of day filters through the mist, the boundaries between earth and sky dissolve, creating an ethereal atmosphere that exists for only a few fleeting moments. It is this sense of calm, mystery, and impermanence that drew me to take the photograph. I love the stillness that a foggy morning brings much like the quietness of snow falling.

 Morning Mist seems the best way to capture a feeling—the quiet anticipation of a new day, when the world is hushed and nature reveals its most subtle beauty. The image hopefully invites the viewer to pause, reflect, and appreciate the extraordinary moments that often go unnoticed.

---

I think this photograph has a particularly strong minimalist quality. The composition is simple yet powerful: the solitary tree, the soft layers of fog, and the subdued us to pause and enjoy.

Original Oil on Panel. Palette knife painting.
Painting: 8 × 5 inches
Overall Dimensions: 10 × 7 inches
Presentation: Mounted in a handcrafted solid mahogany block frame, 1.5 inches thick

Inspired by the coastline of New England this solitary white lighthouse rises from a rugged rocky shoreline beneath a dramatic evening sky, standing as a reassuring symbol of hope, resilience, and safe passage. Rich impasto palette knife strokes bring texture and movement to the scene, while glowing bands of golden light break through layers of deep charcoal clouds, creating a striking contrast that captures the fleeting beauty of sunset.

The sculptural 1.5-inch-thick freestanding mahogany block frame made from found wood enhances the warmth of the painting and transforms it into a distinctive display piece. Designed to stand on a shelf, desk, mantel, or tabletop without additional support, the solid hardwood presentation gives the artwork a contemporary gallery feel while celebrating the natural beauty of the wood.

Compact in scale yet rich in atmosphere, this original oil painting evokes the enduring spirit of the coast and the quiet strength of the lighthouse—a meaningful addition to any home, office, or collection of maritime art.

This combines my love of wood and oil painting with capturing the light.