Why I Draw and Paint Skulls and Bones
a page from my skull study sketch book
Skulls and bones are a touchy subject for some. There are those that feel they have dark overtones, but the reality is that they are just bones. Structures that live beneath the skin, an armature.
Each bone and skull are unique and when you truly sit and examine them are incredibly intricate and fascinating to study up close.
Sketchbook drawing of a toad skeleton I found my garage
I think a lot of people associate skulls with death, but I don't—not at all.
Why do I draw/paint skulls and bones?
I originally started drawing them for study, but struggled with my first few because I did not have a great understanding of the anatomy of animal skulls. I spent a lot of time researching and studying them to have a better knowledge of the overall skull structure. This lead me to reading articles on Osteology and I was very fascinated by the amount of information that can be obtained from studying bones and skulls.
cranium, facing right / 6x6 inch oil on panel / SOLD
Bones are amazing structures in their own right. If you think of the weight they carry, the forces human or animal bodies can produce, and the reason we physically can do, is because of this super tough inner structure.
moose vertebra / graphite on card stock
Skulls themselves are works of art. I have skulls of animals I will never stand face to face with, and quite honestly would be terrified to do so.
kitten / 6x6 oil on panel / SOLD
But I can study them up close, understand the structure, marvel at it's design, feel the weight, examine each terrifying tooth, and wonder endlessly about the life of that animal.
a leopard skull drawing from my 30 skulls in 30 days project. Learn more about the project here.
Even though I have over 10 years studying them, there's always more to learn, and I'm fascinated by each new skull added to my ever-growing collection. They're all so uniquely different yet they all supported the same thing... life. We cannot have life without death, it's cyclical, it's essential, and it's eventual.
