Walton Ford’s large scale watercolors reference those found in biology or botany illustrations. Their physical size gives them an overpowering presence reminiscent of the endlessness of untamed nature. They often depict animals performing acts that would be deemed unnatural, if the animals were not so realistically rendered.
This sculpture is currently in Philadelphia. Titled, “A lion crushing a serpent”, it was made by Antoine-Louis Barye in 1823 in Paris France. The intensity and ferociousness of the lion’s expression emphasizes the predator’s gaze. Each muscle is carefully described, and then exaggerated in such a way that gives the lion an immense strength.
The Belvedere Torso is another great example of muscular forms. Here the viewer can see the human form perfected, with each muscle tensed and perfectly placed to create believable gestures.
Ariel Bowman Ceramics 