Maine Coon Cat Print (finished)

This is the finished reduction block print that I've been working on. I posted the earlier steps in the last post to show the process. The final layer of darker brown/black brings it all together!

Summer vacation is swiftly coming to a close, as I'm back to work next week. It has been a great couple of months, with trips to Virginia, Washington DC, and Maine in the mix. I always miss the flexibility of free days to work on my own art, but the structure of another school year is inevitable, and makes summer such a treat! One more day at the beach this weekend, and I'll be ready (I think).

Maine Coon Cat Print

I have been working on a commissioned print recently, and have almost finished it. There will be one more step to separate the cat from the couch's color and increase the contrast.

The sketch is transferred to the block

First layer 

                                                           More details in this layer

                                        Almost done! It's a very fluffy cat! The block is mostly carved away!

I used a soft-cut block, Rives Lightweight paper, Akua inks, and pins and tabs for accurate registration.

Happy Birthday Dad!

HAPPY 88th BIRTHDAY DAD!

Looking forward to a special birthday dinner with my dad and other family members! I feel so fortunate to have great parents who have always been supportive and a big part of my life!

I had an enjoyable day at the "Uncommon Art on the Common" event this past weekend. I don't do a lot of fairs, but this one is in town, and I like supporting Art Team who put this whole thing together. We have been having very hot and humid weather this summer, as well as a drought from lack of rain. Of course there was a little rain while we were setting up, and threats of thunderstorms, but we lucked out and managed to have a storm-free afternoon. I sold some of my work, and explained the process of reduction block printing to anyone who would listen!

I didn't have these "buoy" prints at the show, as I am still working on them. For this design, I am working with three small blocks at a time. I've been experimenting with different color combinations for the backgrounds and the buoys themselves. I also printed a few on black paper which produces a different texture and more contrast in the white.

Some rain is falling now, which is great for the plants and lawn, but the heat wave is coming back for the next four or five days, so will enjoy the cooler weather today!

Viking

I had fun drawing this operatic mouse for the week's Illustration Friday's prompt. I believe she is called Brunnehilde from the Wagner opera, the Ring Cycle. Even if one doesn't know much about the opera's story line, the image is pretty familiar, except my mouse may be a little too skinny for the role.

I'm getting ready for the "Uncommon Art on the Common" event this Saturday in Goffstown. I've been matting and packaging a lot of prints, trying to pull it all together, and hoping the weather will cooperate! I'll be setting up my booth on the main common this year, and plan to demonstrate some printmaking techniques.