Glass Crayons Series

Artist’s statement on the Glass Crayons Series
“In these four panels I confront the challenge of colour head-on, transforming the familiar skyline of Toronto into vibrant, atmospheric vignettes using an unexpected medium: Crayola crayons. This series represents my exploration of atmospheric perspective through colour. Each piece is meticulously planned using mathematical proportions derived from the golden ratio and drawn with abstracted perspective, creating a foundation that bridges architectural precision with artistic interpretation.

I chose Crayola crayons for their rich vibrancy, saturation, and diverse palette. This seemingly simple medium imposed strict limitations that paradoxically focused my creativity on the essentials of colour, composition, and construction. The infantile associations of crayons juxtapose the sophisticated urban landscapes they depict.

My process involved rigorous colour study, with each hue carefully selected and tested against numerous others to achieve specific conditions of contrast and unity. This painstaking approach allowed me to delve deep into the relationships between colours, examining how each hue and shade affects and is affected by its neighbors.

The resulting pieces exhibit an unexpected depth, with architecture that seems to emerge from and recede into the paper. This series not only showcases Toronto’s urban beauty through simple forms but also demonstrates the potential for depth and complexity in a medium often dismissed as childish.

Through this project, I’ve not only honed my skills in atmospheric perspective but also discovered new avenues for exploring the intersection of precise planning and intuitive colour work. The ‘Glass Crayon’ series stands as a testament to the power of embracing limitations as a catalyst for artistic growth and innovation.”

– Dylon Feyen