Painting vs Pen & Ink

By now everyone is familiar with both my canvas paintings and my Pen & Ink sketches. I have been having a hard time deciding which path I want to really travel. The paintings have always been popular with the vivid colors and all but the Pen & Inks have become even more popular due to the more subtle coloration and the unlimited detail that can be achieved. I have been wanting to devote more time and have been trying to discover my own unique style (I'm close) with the pen which has ultimately led to an absence of canvas work and my involvement with you'all. It is just too hard to devote my attention to 2 completely different styles at this time. You have always helped me with paintings decisions in the past and now I really need your input. Your posting may determine my future path in the art community. Thanks for voting and thanks once again for your support and help!!

Steve, for some of the new members, why don't you post a couple of your pictures so they can help in your decision. I like both so it's hard to decide which one to pick.

Digger, I have always enjoyed your paintings, but I love those pen and ink drawings. The drawing that you did of Fort Niagara Lighthouse for our club was incredible. Even though I didn't win the raffle for the original, I'm proud to have a print hanging on my wall. My vote goes for pen and ink.

I think the pen and ink are a little more unique, kind of the road less travled. But on the other hand we do have a beautiful, original "Ervin" painting hanging in the house that is a pleasure every time I walk past it.

I love both Digger but I'm partial to your paintings especially with your "Shinnecock Lighthouse" hanging in my house.
Bob

My prediction is we're not going to be helpful with your decision. We'll be split pretty close to 50-50. But the good news is you're back doing them! :p

The only thing better than owning a "Digger" original painting, is owning two!!!

I also like the pen & ink drawings!!

I say, keep up the great work and do both!!!

We are the proud owners of two Steve Ervin, ”Digger” original paintings and therefore, voted for paintings. It was a difficult choice as your pen & ink sketches are also excellent. Whichever path you choose, with your talent, the results will be outstanding.

I agree with Ruthie. Some of us are not familiar with either so it would be nice to see them posted. Judy

As soon as I get time I will upload some images.

MJ won the original Old Michigan City at one of the HL Reunions and it is hanging in our dining room where we can enjoy it everyday. I would not say this is lacking any detail and has beautiful bright colors. We love it.

I would say to continue doing both, but if you MUST pick one I would like to see you continue with the colorful paintings.

Ron
(CT Keeper)

Kinda like choosing between the Mercedes and the Jaguar isn't it?

Mike

Kind of like the difference between a Mercedes 500 and a 300 class.

Thanks to many of you, I own an original of Fort Gratiot MI and can say it is WONDERFUL. But I do recognize that the pen and ink with color added probably could lead to a better income for you, Digger.

I could see you reproducing the pen and ink onto high quality water color paper and hand coloring an edition of 100 which might sell for $30-$50 each (or more?) Compare that with a single color painting and it probably wouldn't go for $3000-$5000.

I say do what YOU enjoy the most. We love them both.

Sometime it would be fun to see a list of the lighthouse works you've done over the years.

This is an example of the detail found in one of Steve's Pen and Ink drawings. This is Fort Niagara Lighthouse which The Eastern Great Lakes Collectors Club raffled off to support the lighthouse. All rights assigned to The Eastern Great Lakes Collectors Club (thanks Digger). Prints sized for an 16" by 20" mat (about 11" by 14" cutout) still available from Patty Kaiser.

And here's an example of the full-color painting by Digger.



How can we possibly choose?

This painting of Ft. Gratiot was done in one day by Steve. The day? 9-11-2001. It was a gift from many some of you who attended the 2000 Navy Pier show for my arranging the stays at the Club Quarters Hotel in downtown Chicago.

Steve, what can we actually say in judgement of your work. Both styles are so well done. Giving up one style for the other would be a sin. I say keep doing both.

Bob

Steve, I would say continue to do both. I base that on not only the obvious fact that you are very accomplished in both mediums, but also that it would seem some lighthouse lend them to one media rather than the other based on structure type, location and season for example a winter season with trees with all the leaves gone, pen & ink.

I like the brick lights in pen and ink, while the white tower types I think are better in color in some cases. If the location is an ocean beach, then I would want to see color regardless of tower type.

Whatever you decide, keep on creating as God has blessed you with a great talent.

I agree with Melody. What a gift.
Judy

Well Steve,

It appears that we are deadlocked -- the consensus seems to be that we love both. But you already knew that.

bobo

Well Digger, I just cast my vote and as of right now it's 50/50! I sure do like both mediums but the color canvases sure pack a wallop. I guess the most important thing is which you enjoy creating. But if you sell commerically it's also important to satisfy your customers without compromising yourself. Maybe that means to continue to do both color and pen and ink with a concentration of one over the other?

(I'd post a photo of my Sisters Island painting but I don't have it yet. )

Both are great.
I like having the detail a bit more than than the color.

I can understand your dilemma, Digger. I was in the same "boat" quite a few years ago and decided to go with pen & ink after doing a lot of soul searching. The biggest question to you, the artist is....what are YOU most comfortable with?
There is more money to be made with paintings, however, in my case I like "tight-detail" and because of that, a pen is much more comfortable in my hand than a brush.
It is a tough decision, I know, but you'll make the right choice. Just take your time in making it.
I've been doing pen & inks for the past dozen years and have never regretted it but I must say...I keep the brushes very close at hand.

Brent - how about showing us some of your art work?