Organic Prints (still, more)

Organic Prints (more)

Organic Prints

It's been such a long time since I have worked on my art and posted anything. I'm happy to be at it again and this time I'm working within a whole new medium and process for me - printmaking. The prints shown here were created during a 4 hour workshop I took today in printmaking. It was fantastic! I will definitely be creating more art using this method, though I will be experimenting with the "plate" material. In the workshop the plate was made from gelatin and being a vegan I had some real issues with using it.... but since I wanted to learn a new technique, and knew that I could replicate the plate and process using agar agar instead of animal based gelatin, I forged ahead. I highly recommend going to this workshop if you're close to Cambridge, MA. The instructor, Tamar, is wonderful. Post a comment if you'd like me to email you her contact information. Her next workshop is July 26.

Grace & Strength

The model that sat was a joy to sketch. It was the first time I felt I truly enjoyed drawing from a live model. Her skin was amazing, her hair wonderfully textured and her features so perfect for a model. I used pencil for this ~ it was a warm up, a very quick sketch.

Beauty & the Guy

When I sketch or paint a live model I feel as though pins and needles are surging through my body. It's a little uncomfortable but exciting at the same time. I love working in charcoal ~these were quick sketches that express the mood of the sitters. Though I don't think the guy was really that angry! More to come.

Degas ballerina

One of my favorite artists is Degas. This exercise was freeing yet challenging for me since I tend not to draw very loosely. I sketched this ballerina using varied techniques. I am taking this idea into my future work. My mantra of late ~ loosen up!

Little girl in chair

I was feeling nostalgic and, since I haven't produced any new work, thought I'd post this picture I did many many many years ago which I just found recently. It's behind framed glass so the image is not as crisp as it could be because I had to photograph it not scan it but, still, you get the idea. This was one of my favorites. I always loved the look on her face, sweet and dreamy. The drawing is done using colored pencils which is something I'd like to explore again. It's been ages since I've attempted a drawing like this one.

The Dot Project

I recently found these dot paintings and want to share them as an exercise in connecting paint and water with paper, using your finger as you would a paint brush. We worked on the dot project, based on the teachings of Kaji Aso, in my pure watercolor class as a means of feeling with our fingers' touch what it is to paint and really understand the pigment and water, how they react and mix together. I liked this process.

Cool as a watermelon

Love them! Wish it were summer already so I could enjoy a big juicy slice ....and paint one or two again. These were fun to experiment with and I didn't want to spend too much time on a preliminary sketch as I had on the other pieces I painted previously. These were more free form. Don't you wish you could have a slice right now?

Calla Lily

Flowers are just too wonderful for words. I love all kinds and colors but this one in particular struck me on the night I entered class. Its form was sturdy yet delicate, its color an intense purple/black (I had never seen one like it), and its scent fragrant and light. It moved me that calla lily. This is yet another piece that remains unfinished, without the deep purple tones, but one that I like just the same for its delicate form. The Calla Lilies Are In Bloom Again.