March/April 2005

Hi and welcome to my world of predominately coloured pencil wildlife art. My name is Geraldine (Geri) Roggiero and I am an Australian self-taught artist who lives and works in the beautiful beachside suburb of Collaroy on Sydney’s Northern Beaches with my husband and two young children. I strongly support animal conservation and am a signature member of the Worldwide Nature Artists Group. I am also an exhibiting member of the Queensland Wildlife Artists Society Inc.

When I use coloured pencils to draw a pair of 400-pound lions snoozing in the late afternoon sun, I can almost hear the gentle breeze rustling the grass. I feel how, at any moment, the lions are eager to pounce. Their beauty, innocence and power inspire me to draw. At each stage of my life, I am drawn to an animal’s instinctive knowing and inherent trust that assists me on an unfolding path of self-discovery.

Drawing evokes my deep respect and passion for the natural world. As I draw, the flanks of my lion become the portal for respect and honour; the possum’s eyes a call to preserve the delicate balance between human, animal and habitat; the Cockatoo’s wings mark the air with ease and enliven me with a sense of freedom.

On finishing drawing my lions, with the touches of oil-pastel and gouache; I lift the paper up to eye level and lean back: - feelings of gratitude, joy, and contentment envelope my whole being as my spirit soars to even greater heights of peace and happiness.

This is how I work::-

Before I start a piece, and whenever it is possible, I like to “tune into” an animal by visiting the local zoo and study the way they move and behave. Even when I look through my reference material I try to imagine how they would be feeling in their environment so that when I create my work I can express the totality of that animal. Sometimes I have had the pleasure and opportunity of seeing some animals in their natural habitat; with a recent trip to Indonesia where I saw some Orangutans. There is also plenty of wildlife (especially birds) locally in my own country, Australia.

For the technique, I draw a rough outline in lead pencil and then I paint a light wash in watercolor. I then produce the basic colouring in coloured pencil and work in layers to create the light and depth. For the finishing touches I use oil pastel, watercolor and/ or gouache for added detail, especially for the fur. About 75% - 80% of my work consists of coloured pencil.

click image to enlarge

"The Eyes Say It All"

"Alpine Sugar Glider"

"Lions"

"Sole Koala"

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Geri's Website

Email: Geri

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