July 21, 2011 in the studio

After selling my monotypes at the last art show, I had to get back to work. I have been watching an interesting leave pattern. I knew it would soon be mowed down so I didn’t feel bad gathering it up. I did learn it is important to take these plants right back to the studio. They wilted before the session began.

My press is a French Tool press. For years I worked as a printmaker for other printmakers and artists. In those days, I worked nine to ten hours days, so my press has a motor to turn the gears. After getting out my Daniel Smith water based inks, I move the gears up to pull up the roller. I don’t need a lot of pressure when pulling monotypes as I do when I pull an etching. I ink the Plexiglas and the session begins. As I have said before, it is a kinetic process. I begin with an idea of what I want and work toward that idea.

Here is an idea of what the process looks like.

Here is the plate ready for the first pull. I soak rag paper and blot it and place on this plate.Here is my press doing its job. The rag paper goes thru the press under pressure. It needs special blankets. I also put newsprint between the paper and the blankets.See the embossing! I love the idea of part of nature captured in the monotype.This is a few of the monotypes that came out of the studio time. Now there are other steps. But today it was a good session.

Painted Bunting sold

Here is one of the four monotypes of Painted Buntings I just completed. I enjoy doing these monotypes for they are a part of my experience in nature.

It is a process which requires a block of uninterrupted time in the studio. I work with Daniel Smith's water based etching inks on Plexiglass. It is a kinetic processes. The paper is damp so it is wet on wet. It is a challenge to get the crisp lines so I am thrilled when I do it.

What do you think?

This one and two other of these monotypes sold at the Georgia Coastal Artists' show this past weekend.

Red White and Blue

Monotypes are my fun art. I love walking in the woods, on the beach, near a marsh, where ever there is outside nature. When I walk, I see things. Textures, colors, plants and birds all catch my attention. Sometimes these things stick and I go to the studio to work. Here is one of those monotypes.

The size 10" x 20"

Going out on a limb for spoonbills

I keep telling people, I am a printmaker not a painter. However every once in a while I try. Here is a painting I am trying to finish. I thought I would go out on a limb and ask if anyone has some suggestion? What does it need?

Great Egret at the Amphitheater

It is nesting time on Jekyll. Sadly, the herons and egrets are not nesting in great numbers this year. Is it the fact that it is hot or the fact we have had very little rain? All good questions. We will see. We still have another month.

In the meantime, here is a Great Egret trying to get some attention.

Detail

Wilson's Plover Etching

Because I put the Wilson's Plover signs today,
I thought I would put up my little etching of the Wilson's Plover. The color is in the plate.

Red-cockaded Woodpecker for Dad

My father was a forester for a 50 year career and a conservationist. The last part of his life, he gave back to the pine woods he loved so much. He fought hard to get a workable Red-cockaded Woodpecker Conservation Plan for his profession society. The experience taught me that this work is not easy. Everyone has their own idea of how it should work. However in the end, it will be good for the birds and the environment.

Here is a multi-plate colored and embossed etching I did of a Red-cockaded Woodpecker. It mats out to 20" x 30"

Happy Fathers Day. Dad.