Friendly Thoughts

I tried a similar design earlier as a traditional etching but had some challenges when I did the aquatint to get some good tones. I thought I'd try it again as a solarplate etching. I drew it on the glass and then exposed the drawing under UV light to a light sensitive plate. The plate was washed, carefully inked and then printed. And truly, it's always more complicated than it sounds!

Birds and Butterflies Exhibit

I'll be showing my work with another artist in the Meyera E. Oberndof Central Library Gallery during the month of June. There will be paintings, linocuts and etchings on view. Come to the gallery the evening of June 6 and you will enjoy a brief presentation about some of the work and have some tasty food!

The Magic Garden

How's this for magic?!

Seagull Linocut

I have more bird and butterfly pieces to make since I have two exhibits this June! This week I finished this linocut of seagulls. It was a bit of a challenge at first because the linoleum was an older piece I had and was somewhat dry and hard, as it will get if you keep it for awhile. I finally found that a heating pad will help to soften it so then carving was a lot more comfortable.

Seagulls are very common where I live since I'm near the shore. They can be amusing to watch but they have no qualms about stealing your food at any opportunity!

Titmice Solarplate Final

I exposed my drawing on a solarplate and then developed and printed it. I could add some color with watercolor but I like the black and white. Before long I'll try a different drawing with color! 

Some D'ART FIRSTHAND Student Works

Here are a few examples from our two hour FIRSTHAND make and take workshop. The round prints were made from working on styrofoam and the square ones from Gelli plates, gelatin-like plates. There were ten people working and they all seemed to love expressing their creative sides this way. Making prints can be a lot of fun and the results are usually surprising!