Jack Beal, Holstein and Burdock
Medium: Lithograph, from stone
Date editioned: 1993
Ink and paper type: black ink on Arches Cover
Edition size: records incomplete
Signed: in pencil, lower right
Image size: 11" x 16 3/4"
Paper size: 14" x 22 1/4"
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This composition is derived from three distinct elements: In the background a Holstein cow grazes on a knoll; the fence and gate in the foreground is from one of Jack's drawing books; and the foremost element is a clump of burdock that has dried back. There may well be some meaning here related to the hardships of farming, but it is the diagonal lines and the blackness of the "hitchhiking" seedpods that give this print its energy.
A Closer Look ... Holstein and Burdock
This detail brings the background and foreground elements together. Making decisions is a vital part of Jack's work.
In this detail it is apparent that Jack drew the burdock stems, leaves and seed pods after the Holstein and the fence and gate had been laid down.