About Me
Pyrographics
Pyrographics is the art of burning designs or pictures in wood or other soft objects. The natural beauty of wood is fascinating, like clouds forming pictures; the flow of the grain becomes whatever the mind can imagine.
My Style
Visualizing and developing each piece, I incorporate a realism that portrays a presence, an experience, or a moment in life.
Titles are carefully chosen to reflect the story behind the picture. The pattern of the wood grain, as well as knots and imperfections dictate the images created.
I “see” then burn the details in the wood, incorporating the grain to develop the overall picture.
Color is added using thinned, mixed and overlaying of wood stains.
The color and grain are enhanced with multiple coats of varnish.
Hand made wood frames complete the artwork. Most of the frames are handmade using trim, molding, barn wood, or weathered fence to add uniqueness to each piece.
Fritz has resided in Colorado with his family since 1982.
For more information on original art and limited edition prints, contact:
Fritz Anders
288 Johnson Dr.
Castle Rock, Colorado 80104
303-550-2284
fritzanders@hotmail.com
Biography
I have always been fascinated with the natural beauty of wood. Observing the natural flow of the grain, the position of knots and imperfections form images, similar to seeing objects in the clouds. The image simply needs to be enhanced to bring it to life.
Although I have had no formal art training, I did show a creative side in High school, winning several art awards and even selling a few pieces including my first wood burning.
I did not pursue an art career, instead studied computer science and math in college. There I met my wonderful wife, found a job in the more traditional corporate world and raised a lovely family. I still found time to fill my creative side through small woodworking projects and arts and crafts with my children.
One of the crafts I did with my children was wood burning on boxes and plaques as gifts for family members. Eventually my children outgrew doing art projects with me which gave me more time to start drawing and creating art again. Since I had bought wood burners for the children, I decided to create some pictures incorporating the natural grain on pine panels with wood burning and wood stains.
Encouraged by these first few pictures, I started using dimensional boards, wood panels and even aged barn wood. I looked for patterns in each piece of wood, incorporating the natural beauty of the grain and imperfections, to become a major part of the artwork. I started utilizing knots for eyes, the moon etc., and the grain for animal fur, facial features, clouds and other detail. I burn in additional details, sand, and then use thinned and mixed color wood stains and finishes to complete the image. This makes each piece very unique and gives a 3 dimensional affect to all the pictures. I finish them with handmade frames of hardwood trim, molding, barn wood or ruff cut lumber.
After completing several large pieces, I showed my art publicly for the first time in May 2004. The response was very enthusiastic. Sales were good which encouraged me to continue. Since then I have been showing my work in a handful of local art shows and galleries. Early last year I decided to create my artwork full time.
I love the process of looking for and creating pictures from different woods and grain patterns, trying new techniques in burning, staining, and finishing. My work is constantly growing and improving. I have several pieces in process that I believe will be my best work yet.
I enjoy adding a whimsical side to many of the pictures. I carefully select the titles to enhance the humor of the piece.
I was born in Idaho but have loved living in Colorado most of my life.
Links
Greater Castle Rock Art Guild
www.gcrag.org
Parker Artist Guild
www.parkerartistsguild.com