Retro Owl and some blog re-decorating

Today I made some edits in Photoshop to a linoleum block print that I did a while back.  When I carved the printing block, it was inspired by a vintage cast iron trivet that I had found at an antique store.  I figured it was about time that this little retro owl found his way into my Society6 shop, so it's now available over there in print form, as well as on shirts, tote bags, pillows, and more!

Also, just a heads up that I'm going to be playing around with the layout of my sketch blog today, so if things look a little funny you'll know why. Nothing like a new look for a New Year!

Happy New Year, everybody! Here's to 2013 being a wonderful year!

James Dean - Block Print

This block print portrait of James Dean is based on a pen and ink illustration that I made years ago.  I actually like it better as a block print, with the slightly rougher lines from carving and the texture from the printing block.  I'm thinking of going back and turning some of those other Hollywood ink portraits that I drew in to block prints.  

This artwork is also available through my society6 shop.  

Swimming Fish - new lino print

This reduction lino print was a piece that I did as a demonstration in the summer of 2011 for a workshop that I was teaching. I forgot that I had never scanned it and shared it online, so here it is!

For those who don't know what a reduction print is, here is a good description. I recently started lessons on reduction printing with two of my high school art classes.

Prints are available here in my print shop.

Printmaking - Self-Portrait

This is the demo that I made for my 8th grade students' printmaking project. They learned about the pop art movement, with a focus on Andy Warhol's screen printed portraits. The students carved their own portraits, using photos for reference to do a transfer on to the rubber printing blocks. After doing a series of test prints, the students then printed their portrait four times with their choice of colors. Below you can see the finished portraits by my students. The final portraits measure approximately 14" x 14".

Printmaking - Owl

I recently finished doing printmaking assignments with all of my classes. I had them use rubber printing blocks for carving. My 6th graders were making prints of the subject of their choice, so this owl print was my demo for their class. It's inspired by a vintage cast iron trivet that I own. Below you can see some of the work by my 6th grade students.

Snow and Evergreens - new art and prints

This image was the result of experimenting with a combination of art techniques. This started out as a print made from a sheet of styrofoam that I drew and carved into. I used it to print with black ink on white paper, then scanned it and added all of the color digitally. I would have liked to actually print it with the colors, but I just don't have the set up at this time to do prints with color alignment.

Prints are now available!

Also, there is a promotion going on right now with my print shop. When you spend at least $10 you will get free economy shipping! It's the perfect time to pick up something for yourself or for some holiday gifts.