Wings over water (1931-1932)

Frances Hodgkins is the artist behind "Wings over water", dated 1931-1932. Drawings, a short history: Because line carries so much of the effect, drawings tend to reward close looking at the quality of the mark. Artists have long used drawings to plan paintings, sculptures, and buildings, so a sketch can show how an idea developed. Context for 1931-1932: The first decades of the twentieth century were a period of rapid experiment, with Fauvism, Expressionism, Cubism, Futurism, and the first abstract painting appearing within a few years of each other. Posters, magazines, and illustrated books were major ways for the public to meet new art and design. The catalogue places it in Drawings. The format is landscape.

On onlly.art "Wings over water" is sold as a digital download (Digital JPEG + PDF files, 300 DPI). The files are delivered by email after payment, so nothing is shipped: you print locally, choosing the paper, size, and frame yourself. A landscape format suits wide, low wall spaces such as the stretch above a bed, mantel, or sideboard. Drawings and sketches stand out through line clarity and a sense of the artist process, which makes them a natural fit for minimalist, monochrome, and graphic interiors. Before printing, compare the proportions of the file with your frame so that nothing important is cropped. Matte and fine-art papers reduce glare in bright rooms, while glossy papers give stronger contrast and deeper blacks. Hang the print away from direct sunlight, which over the years can fade any printed colour. Screens and printers render colour differently, so a small test print is a sensible way to check tones before committing to a large size.

New Zealander, 1869–1947

If you like the visual language of Frances Hodgkins, explore more works by the same artist in our collection.