Sandstone Creations

They have been called unique, beautiful, amazing even organic. What ever you call them they are original to me the artist Patrick McCrohan. I begin by hand selecting my sandstone from local landscaping design centers picking out flawless large thick slabs. Its not quite like going down to the art store and grabbing a canvas off the shelf. I lug the sandstone home, break them into more manageable sizes, chisel and shape them. I clean and scrub them down removing any loose pieces and then lay them out to dry.  I use black ink and a stippling technique to create simple yet dramatic shading making the images pop.

(Stippling is a process of creating thousands of tiny little dots by hand). Sandstone is very porous so the ink soaks right in creating permanent works of art. Sandstone has so many beautiful natural features that will enhance the artwork. I look for the differences in each piece, stone colors, textures, tones, shapes and layers are all part of my creations. I make sure to check both sides and turn it around and around again before I decide what image is just right for that individual stone. A piece that is tall and skinny may be great for a giraffe or I may turn it on its side and see a line of elephants marching to their favorite watering hole. Somehow I can see the best in each piece.