Welcome to my Web Site. My name is Kevin Smith and I am a self-taught artist living in Solon Springs, Wisconsin.
The beauty of the northwoods has influenced my choice of composition. I favor landscapes and wildlife but you will see my art is not limited to these fields alone. It also includes transportation, structures and rustic signs.
The diversity of my work is also reflected in the materials I use and the techniques I create and utilize. My pyrography has evolved from traditional wood-burning techniques on wood, to a blend of skills suitable for gaurds, leather, and tagua.
I started woodburning in 1995. I started with the most basic tool you can get, cost about $15.00. I think the name of it was the Versa Tool by Walnut Hollow. Woodburners differ in many ways depening on how many volts, heatsheild, thickness and recovery time. I would suggest using the basic tool if your just begining. (The pen is only as good as the hand that holds it). Then If you decide you have a knack for it and want to continue, then you can upgrade.
The wood you burn on differs in many ways. Basswood is my top choice. and it is easy to find here in Wisconsin. It takes detail very well. White Ash works well but its hard to get the same shade when crossing over the grain. Pine is a bit tricky, but smells the best :-) . I even burn on weathered boards. It gives it a nice rustic look but you should wear a mask if you work with this.
When burning use the grain in your favor and look for ways you can apply the look of the grain in your picture. When Using color I use oil base pencils. But I use very little color, usually just to highlight with different shades of white. Hopefully all of this will help you if your thinking of giving it a try.
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