The bighorn has long captivated my attention: their power, resilience, and those horns that reflect every battle.

This style of hand-illustrated engraving has been around since the 1800s. A panel of Masonite is covered with white clay and a thin layer of black India ink. Using a small Xacto blade and mini-fiberglass brush, I carve through the black ink hair by hair, exposing variable degrees of the white clay beneath.

This highly-detailed 12x16” portrait is custom-framed without glass, allowing for closer connection with the details of the engraving method and to avoid glare. Portrait is varnished on its surface, protecting from UV light, fingerprints and light scratches. Care should still be taken for the surface to not receive big bumps or scratches, but can be cleaned with a soft, dry microfiber cloth.

The 2”-wide matte-black solid wood frame has an elegant slope and clean lines, giving depth and drama to the original piece. Framed dimensions: 16x20”, with a protective paper backing and wire-hanger.

Original has “JKay” engraved at the bottom-right of the portrait; framed piece is hand-signed, titled and dated on the paper backing, and will arrive with a Certificate of Authenticity.

© Jennifer Kay, 2024