The finished print "Birches"

The finished print for the Print Exchange

     
                       Off they go! I can't wait to see what I get in return!

"Birches" in progress

I've been working on the "Birches" print for a few weeks, and am getting close to the last layer of ink. Here are a few images of my progress. I have a deadline of April 30th to get it in the mail for the Sketchbook Project Print Exchange. Good thing I have this week off from work!

This is hand-printed on black Canson paper with Akua inks using a "soft-cut" block.

Illustration Friday "train"

It's time to train for the big race!

It has been a tough week for so many people. The Boston Marathon bombings really hit home for everyone here and around the world. The senseless tragedy of April 15th, and the subsequent five days of uncertainty about the perpetrators has left this area a bit unsettled, but proud of the courage and resilience displayed by so many. My niece and her boyfriend were at the finish line when the first bomb went off, and fortunately ran in the right direction as the second one exploded, and were not injured. My daughter who works  in the area was out of harm's way, and for that I am grateful!

I have started off the first day of my April vacation week with an early morning yoga class, and a leisurely cup of tea here at the computer. I'm looking forward to getting a few things done around the house, and having some time to read the library books I've downloaded onto my Kindle. I think it's also time to pull out the spring wardrobe. Include a trip to an art museum with friends, a little fun shopping with birthday money, and time to finish my print for the swap, and it should be a good week.

Wishing everyone a safe and happy week!

"Wild" Illustration Friday

Someone's having a wild hair day!

It has been windy and cool for the past couple of days, but the snow is gone and the plants are coming up. During my afternoon walk, I noticed a lot of crocuses in bloom, and daffodils that were getting ready to open this week. In my yard, the day lilies are about an inch or two high. I've also noticed that the male gold finches are quite yellow again. They are attracted to the thistle feeders, as are the pine siskins. Hopefully we won't have any bears rambling into our yard and tearing down feeders this year.

I'm working on a new print for a print exchange coordinated by the Brooklyn Art Library. The 12 prints have to be postmarked by April 30th. Eventually I will get 10 random prints mailed to me from printmakers all over the world. For the remaining 2, another one in my edition will go on to shows in NYC and California later this summer. The last one will stay in Art Library collection. I want to finish printing this week, so I can be sure the ink will be fully dry. Because I do multi-layered reduction prints with Akua inks, they can stay slightly tacky for a while. I'll post some images next week.

I hope everyone has a creative and productive week!

"Urban" gardening

Illustration Friday "urban"

It feels like spring today! Looking forward to another day tomorrow in the 60's as well. Hopefully the last vestiges of snow will be gone from my backyard this week!

NHAA Print Show in Portsmouth

Two of my prints are in the NH Art Association's Print Show in Portsmouth NH. I made this print  specifically for the show's theme, "Hope". There was something about this little nest that I saw along the river this past winter, that made me stop and photograph it. It was hanging in there through our tough, snowy winter, exposed to the elements, and still in one piece.

The show runs April 3rd---May 31st at the Discover Portsmouth Center at 10 Middle Street. It's in the upstairs gallery. I don't think I'll make the opening tomorrow night, but I'm excited to get over there this month to view the entire show.