Head of a Dall Ram 2008

This is Timothy David Mayhew's "Head of a Dall Ram," drawn with what looks like graphite or charcoal on paper. The artist's hand moved methodically, layering lines to build form and texture. You can see a certain tenderness in the way the ram's head is rendered. Look at the gentle shading that defines the curves of its horns, the soft strokes suggesting its woolly coat. I imagine Mayhew studying the animal, trying to capture its essence, its quiet strength. The gray tones evoke a somber mood, like a memory or a dream. It reminds me of other artists who've found inspiration in the natural world, like Dürer's "Young Hare". There's a similar sense of reverence, a desire to understand and celebrate the beauty of life. It's a reminder that art is often about looking closely, paying attention, and finding meaning in the world around us, stroke by stroke.