"Island Biker"

"Island Biker"
20" x 20"
Collage on canvas

So happy to hear that "Island Biker" has been accepted for the Manoogian Art Gallery Juried Exhibit on Mackinac Island.  This piece is mostly about paper:  tissue paper, antique book covers, some torn, black artist's paper, dictionary page, shorthand textbook page, book ends and paper, corrugated cardboard with dots, picket fence copied, an old tag up in the right hand corner, and assorted other pieces.  It also contains some washi tape, and that great lady biker image on a really old book cover.  To say the least, I am thrilled... two years in a row that I have been in this show.  Reception is June 26 if you happen to be on Mackinac Island or in the vicinity.  Hope the judges REALLY LIke it!  4/ 30  Delivered my art today.  49 entries. 20 accepted.  Can't wait to see the results.

Coneflowers at My Gate

"Coneflowers at My Gate"

Mixed-media

I've been really serious about making the images register.  This time, the coneflowers are printed with Magenta (acrylics),  over-printed with Orange Calypso Opaque, and then I used a small brush to paint the flower plate with Magenta and printed.  The bottom flowers were done the same way.  I went back to my flower plate to add the stems and leaves, not thinking about a reverse image, I printed.  Note to self: try it out first in sketchbook.  It was a happy mistake and just adds a few more stems and texture.  Second time around, I got the stem placement correct.  I added stamped black pattern at the right and left and top of the page.  Finished off with small bubble wrap printing.  Then, I found scraps of paper that had been printed before to add some contrast.  I don't think I can call this a collagraph since I didn't start with a solid base print, but instead rolled on ink directly to the paper using a brayer.  Just don't know about this technical stuff, so I'll stick with mixed-media.  I think I'll keep working with this until my paper stash runs out.

Coneflower Morning

Coneflower Morning
Mixed media
10" x 11"

Just can't stop working on prints.  I created a coneflower plate and bought some new opaque paints to try out.  I also revamped the black plate adding leaves and a small flower.  The coneflower has three layers which are registered a bit off.  I like the look.  To complete the image, I collaged some other papers on in areas I thought were too busy.  Well,...? 

Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly





Lavender Blue Dilly Dilly
12" x 12"
collograph collage

I'm so intrigued with printmaking, I can hardly stay away from the studio.  Layering and planning are still a part of this process.  I am using some acrylic glaze to keep the paints from drying out giving me a little more time to ink the plate and print.  I'm still excited about the many possibilies.  I am noticing that my plates are starting to fall apart.  That seems to be a downside on this technique, although it was suggested that you shellac the plates.  Time to make some new plates.  Enjoy!





Blue Skies Smiling

Blue Skies Smiling #1

 

Blue Skies Smiling #2

Collagraph prints in my favorite blue colors.  I created some new plates to add to my collection.  I'm pleased with the results.  Next step trying some monoprints.

Collagraphs

collagraph and collage

"Spring Fusion" 

Have you ever heard of collagraphs?  collagraph ( klgraf ) ( graphic arts ) A print made from a plate produced by the collage method.  I'm on to something new.  One of the upcoming juried shows is a drawing and printmaking exhibit.  I can't draw (maybe I could, but don't have enough years to practice). I love printmaking.  What can you do without a printing press and tons of new materials? Monoprints and collagraphs.  It looks really cool.  To achieve what I want seems to be more difficult than one would think.  But, I'm game.  I have made a number of cardboard plates and have printed the designs.  Mostly, I am experimenting and most have been flops.  Just how to put it all together is the big question.  My mail art friend, Leslie, has been working with gelli printing with nice results.  Maybe I should invest in something of that sort.  Printmakers out there, are there any books or on-line classes you would recommend to me?    We'll see how this goes.  Above is my first attempt.  (Smile)

Exhibit at Mitchell Gallery

"Postcard from Eogra" has been accepted in the  Less Is More, Small Works Exhibit at the Mitchell Gallery, St. John's College in Annapolis, MD.  I received news that there were 800 some entries from 38 states.  They also publish an online site where the art can be purchased.  I'd really love to go to the opening reception.  If you live near, go for me.  http://themitchellgallery.org/sales/

New work for Mackinac Island

Madam LaFramboise
8" x 11" collage on an acrylic box frame

Island Biker
20" x 20" collage on canvas

People of Mackinac Island is the theme for this years juried all-media art show on Mackinac Island.  Both of my entries are about women islanders.  Madam Framboise was a highly sucessful woman who ran a series of furtrading posts from Mackinac Island to Ada, Michigan.  She took over the business after her husband was killed and was a very wealthy woman when she sold her business.  This lady could speak five languages, but could not read or write.  She started the first Indian School on Mackinac Island, built a three story house which is now a hotel, and gave land to St. Anne's church on the Island.  Naturally she caught my eye as a candidate for this show.  My second entry is more generic with bike riders everywhere on the Island.  I had fun with the unique paper, book covers, old shorthand page, dictionary entries, corrugated cardboard (on of my favorite materials) and dots.  My photo doesn't do it justice.  Keep you fingers crossed that the judges like them.  I would be thrilled to be a part of the show again.