Its warm, but windy today at the log cabin print shop.
Today, im going to make a linocut of John P Parker’s house. A few days ago, i made this sketch while in Ripley, ohio.
I made a few adjustments to the design, and now, im ready to start carving!
Saturday’s carving progress
Stay tuned for updates!
Last week was busy at the cabin. The cabin was filled with artists, so i didnt get a chance to do any personal printing. The holidays are over, and its a rainy saturday. I expect it wont be as busy, so my goal is to carve this linocut.
almost finished carving!
Inking the linoleum block
I want to start the year doing more painting.
Over the summer, while in Vicco, KY, I sketched a scene of a little church beside a creek. Using the original sketch as reference, i drew these three compositions, using a sharpie marker.
I like all 3 for different reasons, so I’m going to make 3 different paintings
the one on the left has it’s base colors…now time to color the other 2
UPDATE: 7pm a little more color, will do some more painting tomorrow
in 2020, i want to spend less time on social media, more on my personal website. Happy New Year!
I just published the DECEMBER editon of my US ROUTE 62 Zine! Giving myself a monthly *deadline* has been a good motivator–to make sure I keep moving forward with the project. As we all know, if you wait for the perfect time, that never happens.
If you’d like your own copy of the zine, You can pick up a free copy at the Log Cabin Print Shop or Pendleton Art Center. I’m also including a copy with all my online orders.
If you want me to mail one to you, just mail a one dollar bill (to cover the cost of envelope and stamp) to: Ken Swinson, PO Box 84, Old Washington, KY 41096
Hope you enjoy it, and have a happy holidays!
A long time ago, a teacher named Harriett Beecher came to Old Washington to visit. She later became famous for her book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, which depicted the cuelty of slavery. Her book was a big influence in the USA’s shift in attitude away from slavery. Part of the inspiration for ‘Uncle Tom’s Cabin’ came from her experiences here in Kentucky, and across the river in Ripley, Ohio.
It’s inspiring how Harriett used her talent to help social progress in the USA. I wanted to honor her with a linocut.
I wanted to portray her with a halo, a quill in hand, her book in the other
I thought they’d make good notecards. They are a fun way to share art with your friends, and Harriett would probably appreciate seeing us write letters using ink and paper
I’m working on a new linocut greeting card for the holiday season.
Peace on Earth is always one of my favorite themes
The finished print!!
A batch of hand printed greeting cards, hanging to dry. Wil be ready later this week. Look out for them, and hope you are all having a happy holidays!
My sketch for a new linocut-a happy bunny with carrot
after transfering the design onto a block of linoleum, it’s time to carve!
the finished design, carved and ready for ink
inking the block
the finished linocut! Printed on acid free, recycled craft brown paper, with envelope
I have been on the computer less, while experimenting with a new way to stay in touch, express myself and keep you all up to date with my art projects, without using social media.
I started a monthly ZINE! It’s words, art and ink on paper that you can hold in your hands, and it doesn’t need a battery, username or password. Print media is different from digital, and I’m learning a lot about how to tell stories this way.
My goal is to make one once a month. They are free. You can pick one up at either of my studios at the Log Cabin Print Shop in Old Washington, or the Pendleton Art Center in Cincinnati. I’ll also include one with any online sales through my website.
If you want me to mail you one, all you have to do is mail me a $1 bill (to cover the cost of stamp and envelope) to:
Ken Swinson
Po box 84
Old Washington, KY 41096
Its sunny today, but supposed to be freezing cold tomorrow, so i took my pen and sketchbook for a walk around old washington
Theres something refreshing about pen and paper: no photos, no eraser
Just working from life, and capturing the moment
Hope you are enjoying the day!
Ken is a self-taught artist from rural Kentucky, whose work includes painting, printmaking, and pottery. He considers himself to be a 'lifetime learner' and uses art to explore and learn more about the world around him. Much of his work reflect his optimistic views on rural folk culture, river life and simple pleasures.
