Drawing for Shamen

The application of tempera on vellum produces a textured surface on which the pigment is unevenly distributed, leaving areas where the white of the paper underneath is visible. The abstract form occupying the center of the picture space resembles an animal's paw. The merging of organic and geometric forms and the references to shamanism and the bestial imbue the image with a spirituality reminiscent of Native American beliefs. Bill Jensen's artwork is characterized by its transcendental quality. His drawings typically serve as studies for and after paintings, making this work a prime example of his working method and style.