First Monotype Workshop at Glynn Visual Art

Yesterday, I did the first monotype workshop at Glynn Visual Art Center. There were ten people who came to try their hand at the new but very old process of printmaking. It was a little scary at first for Monotype printmaking is a kinetic process. I would compare it to white fright when starting a drawing. However, the class got started, and each person discovered their inner artists.  Even the one that said, “I have no artistic abilities;” found that she did have a creative side. It turned out to be a fun time for all and the folks took home some nice monotypes for their collection.

The etching press we will be using for printmaking at the Glynn Visual Art Center was Judith Hall Manzer’s press. She used this press throughout her printmaking career. Thank you so much goes to Les Manzer and the Manzer family donated to Glynn Art. I am very excited to see Judith Hall’s etching press used in this type of class situation. She would have been, please.

Big Red monotype

I did several bird surveys up at the north end of Jekyll. It is a pocket marsh area. There was dried Marsh Fleabane a native plant. I gather some up along with other grasses. Back in the studio, I began a printing session. When I was finished I had several monotypes. Here is a monotype construction from that session. I call it a construction because I have combined two monotypes to make one image. I am using Daniel Smith water based etching ink. The paper is 100% rag Arches Cover. I call this one Big Red, for the cardinal that posed for me. It measure 10 x 20 matted.

First things first

I have drawn all my life. I wanted to be a printmaker before I knew about printmaking. All I knew was I wanted a big wheel that I could get on and go round and round on. Walked into my drawing class, there was the etching press with a wheel I could get on and go round and round on. No, I didn’t try it. My drawing teacher Mr. Clifford would have killed me. I did ask, “What does that do?” He told me, “Etchings” “Where do I sign up?” I asked. It turned out there was no etching class but I found a way.

I was hooked so hooked that I never stopped looking for ways to do printmaking. I found printmakers who needed someone to edition for them. I signed on. I worked for five different printmakers by editioning their etchings. I also worked with a few artists to help them produce etching for their portfolios. With art, there are always trends and etchings were next replaced with the next trend. I had to shift with it. I moved on to my own printmaking.
My etchings and monotypes allow me to explore textures and designs in nature. Birds are a big part of my art. In order to study birds, natural textures and designs, I left my studio to explore birds and nature. It was a wake-up call. There are fewer birds. I create my art but I am also creating programs and projects on Jekyll Island to help bring awareness of our birds and their plight. As I post my monotypes and etchings if you see something you like comment on it.
The monies for your purchase of my art will enable the continuation of my work with the conservation of birds. Then my art will work for the birds.