Check out the the great interactive exhibition to go along with the MOMA’s real world show of Lucian Freud’s etchings. It has always amazed me how he “paints” with line. I’m also taken by his ability to pack so much tension and awkwardness into one image.
Here is another round of aquatint. I think Ill leave it alone and move on now. I’m glad I did this print because it reminds me that I can move pretty quickly on these small etchings – a nice break from the more labor intensive woodcuts. I’m planning to do a few more of these Greek mythology etchings.
Here is the 2nd state. I added an aquatint background. 5 minutes in the ferric chloride did a lot more than I expected, but I like where it is going. I think I’m going to try one more round of aquatint to put a some sort of really dark shape behind the figure. I like that patterning is emerging from the darkness. I see that a few layers can really make things richer. I’ve always been one for the simple, direct and stark. When that approach succeeds it serves me well, but when it fails, it usually fails pretty miserably.
Here is a simple etching of the Minotaur. I had prepared a plate a while ago and thought it would be a good opportunity to try some of that scale-like patterning in an etching. I have since prepared a few more plates and plan to continue with a more Minotaur-related etchings. I have editioned this state and will probably add an aquatint shadow to push the background back and better define the edge of the figure.
I’m continuing to pursue these background patterns. I especially enjoy distorting the size and layout to create a sort of undulating plane. I was also interested in working something out in ballpoint pen as a precursor to some possible etchings using the these patterns.
Here is a minotaur sketch. What a tragic beast. It’s all greedy King Minos’ fault. when will we mortals learn?
Here is the latest block. I need to get another big sheet of birch plywood before I proceed. At this point, Im planning 3-4 colors with patterning.
I would like to take a crack at some larger pieces – maybe some life size figures. I’ve been looking at how others have figured out innovative ways of printing on that scale. Not sure if I’m quite ready to undertake a 6 footer yet, but it won’t be long.
I’m also thinking about doing some small etchings with some of that background patterning. Stay tuned.
I’ve entered a few juried shows lately in an attempt to create a more regular flow of exhibition opportunities. If I’m creating editions of 5 or 10 prints at a time, I need to work harder to get them out there and find them new homes. Or at least to get them out to be seen by as broad an audience as possible. Another reason for entering these things is to help me quicker and better at putting these submissions packets together. The first one seemed like a ton of time and work but it seems to get easier every time.
The reception for my show (7/20/07) went really well. Lots of people turned out and the response was great. It was fun to meet and talk to so many new people as well as seeing those that I haven’t seen in a while. Thanks to everyone who came by! Thanks to Allison and Margaret at Green Rice Gallery.
I drew, cut and printed a small woodcut of a friend throughout the night. That was a lot of fun and encouraged people to interact with the artist.
The following day I drove down Jacksonville, FL. Whenever I’m there I like to stop by MOCA Jacsonville. They had tons of prints on display by some big names. I was especially interested in several Helen Frankenthaler woodcuts for their transparent layering and textural features. I’ve always overlooked her work but it really grabbed me this time.
These are the last portraits for a little while. I am currently getting ready for a show at Green Rice Gallery. Framing is not very glamorous way to spend my art time, but I can do it better or at least a whole lot cheaper than a frame shop. I’m very eager to get to the next set of blocks though.
I said I probably wouldn’t do any patterning for the next couple prints, but I changed my my. These 2 prints (each will be 3 color, so stay tuned for progress) are the last pieces Ill be completing before a show at Green Rice Gallery for the month of July.
Dino:
Don:
