The Big Event

It was an eventful September with the wedding of our oldest daughter taking center stage. All her meticulous planning came together with a fabulous event that took place on Cape Cod. She knew exactly what she wanted, and the weather cooperated with her wishes--thank goodness!

It was a wonderful weekend at a gorgeous location. We had so much fun, and were so pleased for the happy couple!

I took a lot of nature photographs during the weekend. I'm trying to find new ideas for my next printmaking project. There were so many horseshoe crabs washed up on the beach, and tons of seashells.

At the venue, there were many "Gyotaku" fish prints hanging on the walls. They are made using actual fish. Ink is applied to the fish, and then the fish's body is pressed onto paper. This one was displayed in three frames. Very Cool!

The Lonely Sunflower

My best crops this year were not even planted by me. This sunflower came from a seed that must have come from last year's plants. I also had a giant gourd plant that spread out over the compost pile in the back corner of the yard. I threw away my old decorative pumpkins and gourds last fall, and one reseeded itself. I was hoping that it was a pumpkin plant, but no luck.

Big pig wears a wig, dances a jig with a a twig

A silly sketch for Illustration Friday---topic, WIG

Saying good-bye today to summer vacation, which ends tomorrow, as I head back to work for my 34th year of teaching art at the same school. It's been a very hot and humid summer, and next week looks like more of the same. Expecting highs in the 90s and sticky conditions. Looking forward to a little more fall-like weather!

Happy 90th Birthday Dad!

Wishing my Dad a Happy 90th Birthday!

You are the Best!!

League of NH Craftsmen Show---must be August!

For 9 days every August, the League of NH Craftsmen holds their annual fair in Sunapee. We got an early start, and were at the gates for the 10am opening. It was a beautiful day to be outside, and we had a great time wandering through the tents.

On the way home we stopped for a little treat!

The Final Layer!

I printed the final layer of the shell block print today. I carved away a lot of the blue layer, and then printed the final color in a brown hue.

                                                            Close up of the block

Now I have to get ready for the annual "Uncommon Art on the Common" Art Show on August 4th in Goffstown.

Shells Print continued....

I've been working on the "Shells" print this week, and you'll see the progress since I last posted.
The weather was so pleasant, that I was able to do some of the carving out on the porch. Wiley and I enjoy watching the birds (and squirrels) in the yard while I'm working.

In the images above, I've already printed the first color previously, and carved out the areas that will remain that first color (light gray). I'm also carving out the texture of the background. 

In the image below, here is the layer of darker gray after it has been printed over the first layer.

I've had to do a lot of carving to get the block ready for the next color.

Below are a few variations of the print with the blue-gray layer.

The ink color shows up better in this photo.

I could be done at this stage, but I think I may do another layer. I will have to wait and see how the ink dries. All the various layers of ink, affect the final color. The real trick of making a successful reduction print, is the perfect alignment of the printing paper each time you add a layer. The pins and tabs, as well as a sturdy base to hold the block in place are the keys to matching up the image every time.