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The Kentucky Gateway Museum Center has been a good supporter of the arts in our area, so I wanted to donate something really special for their annual fundraising auction.

I’m bringing my beloved press to the auction where I’ll print a monotype just seconds before it is auctioned…still wet. 

Today, I went downtown to sketch the museum and get an idea for the monotype. 

I spent the rest of the day working on the monotype.  It’s almost finished, and looks incredible!  It was a challenge working in ‘reverse’ on the plate, but I have a feeling the final piece is going to be amazing. 

The monotype process is unique, because ink is REMOVED to create the image. (instead of added)  You can see a short movie example of how to create a monotype by clicking here.

I’m nervous, because I don’t like groups of people, and there is a possibility the monotype will not come out as expected. 

Please come to the auction tomorrow, March 5th, to see it created (and possibly win my latest/greatest work of art)…and most important, support the museum.  It’s a great cause.

Here’s the Museum Center’s website for more details:  www.kygmc.org

Update–

Auctioneer extraordinaire, Mike Thomas, did a great job of setting the stage to explain what was happening.  The print came out better than I expected.  See for yourself:

I didn’t stay to watch the bidding on my print (it makes me uncomfortable) but it quickly went over $100 before the print even went through the press.  After breathing fresh air for a few minutes, I learned that the print sold for close to $500 to Claudia Moose. 

The print could not have a better home.  Claudia and her husband Jim have been great patrons of the arts and museum in Maysville…we are lucky to have them.

A short video of me demonstrating the monotype technique. 

I discovered a family of raccoons living under my new house/studio. After negotiations, they still live under the house, but I have had great inspiration for my latest artwork.

If you can’t see the video above, click this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GvUqC7ximjw

While stuck in my house during a snowstorm, I noticed a few flashes of red.  I was surprised to see a flock of birds (20+) all around the house.  I put on my hat and went outside with my camera.  I love how you don’t have to leave your yard to enjoy the wonders of nature…it comes to you!

A fun bunch of artists met in Old Washington for a day of still life painting.  The theme was musical instruments.  We had a banjo, mandolin and guitar as models.

Betsy Adams working in pastel.

Philip Saunders sketching with oil pastel.

Mary-Louise Dean working in oil.

Ruvonna Bevard painting in acrylic.

I worked on a monotype of each instrument.  You can see a short video of the prints going through the press below:

if you don’t see the video above, follow this link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sbQVUSMFOwQ

Over the holidays, I had an opportunity to drive through the Smoky Mountains National Park.  In the Park, near Cherokee, NC, is a wonderful Mountain Farm Museum.  Visitors can walk freely through the farm, and experience what farm life was like 100 years ago.

There is an old farm house, made from chestnut logs.

A Sorghum mill, and root cellar.

A Barn

A Blacksmith’s shop

And many other exhibits that demonstrate everyday life in a mountain farm 100 years ago.

I was impressed how everything on the farm was directly connected to the land.  It’s interesting how in 100 years, modern life has separated us from much of the natural world.  We do not create our home, food and tools from our local environment like we used to.

Here’s a link to more information about the Mountain Farm Museum

Here’s my latest block print, “Loving”.

These reduction woodcuts are a very special limited edition of 6.  The block is destroyed during the process, making it impossible to recreate the image.  The prints are designed to be the perfect Valentine’s Day card for  the one-of-a-kind sweetheart.  It folds to allow a personalized message, and includes a hand-made envelope for $60.

Here is a short video of the final cutting and printing of the block.

Don’t worry, I’m not going far!   I have been given the opportunity to live in a 1790’s timber frame house in Old Washington’s Historic Village.   Don’t let the modern siding fool you, this house is one of the oldest in Maysville. 

The house is smaller than my current studio, so I am looking forward to simplifying my life, eliminating unnecessary clutter, and focusing on what is important to me…making great art. The house has a room with good north light, which will make a great studio!

I had a meet up with my friends to play with the press.  I only gave  4 days notice, and expected 5-6 people to show up.  We had a full house…i don’t know how many people came, but everyone had a lot of fun…especially me! 

During the meet up, I got to put a few antique etchings through the press.  The ink is permanent.  These are my hands after much scrubbing with acetone and soap and water!  I am eager to try etching…it’s a beautiful process.

These are my latest monotypes…loosely based on friends of mine.  I am interested in making pictures with people.  Instead of using models, I’m going to use my friends whenever I get a chance.

I posted more photos of the monotype meet up on facebook.  You can see them by following this link:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=178673&id=678537291&l=c2d6e489ef

You don’t have to be on facebook to see the pictures, but if you are…add me as a friend (if you haven’t already!)

I finally have my printing press up-and-running!  I am still learning how to use it, but would like to share the experience with my artist friends…so this Wednesday, (Jan 13) you are invited to join me for an afternoon of creating monotypes.  I’ll have everything you need to make a monotype, but you might want to bring your favorite brush and an idea or photo to work from…and don’t dress in your  Sunday best…it might be messy!

We’ll either meet at my downtown studio or the Art Guild’s Building  in Old Washington (depending on the number of participants) 

Let me know if you are interested so I can plan accordingly. 

I haven’t been able to hang out with my friends during the holidays, and this will be a fun way to catch up. 

Here’s a few pictures of my latest monotypes to give you an idea of the process.

Here’s a link to a great series of videos by the Smithsonian Institution demonstrating the process:

http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/monotypes/video.html

A monotype is created by covering a sheet of glass with ink, then removing the ink with brushes, rags and Q-tips. 
When the image is complete, a damp sheet of paper is pressed against the ink, resulting in the final image.

You can only print once, so each monotype is a one-of-a-kind unique print.  If the paper is too damp, or the plate moves during the press, the image is ruined.  
You never know what you’ll get until you pull the paper from the plate, it’s an exciting process.

The Smithsonian Institution offers a great series of videos about monotype you can watch at the link below:  http://americanart.si.edu/exhibitions/online/monotypes/video.html