New Studio, Just In Time For Open Studios, of Roanoke 2012

     Well, it will soon be going on four months since I moved into my studio. I love working there. I can spread out, work in a larger format, and leave things out if I want to. I know when I return, I can pick right  up where I left off without putting things up and then back again. That's nice!


     The studio is mainly an encaustic studio, but I will be working on larger format prints, cold wax paintings, altered books, and a plethora of 'whatever happens'. 


     This year I will be doing the Open Studios of Roanoke in my own space. For 10 years, I have been moving about from one place to another. I have loved my hosts one and all, but it will be fantastic to show where I work. After all, that IS what Open Studios is all about. For now, here are some abstract images of the new space. 

New Works

     This past week I explored some new techniques working with hot wax, better known as Encaustic. Since I have been primarily a monotype printmaker for most of my art career, I wanted to 'play' with monotypes. 
   

‎"Emerging Earth" (C) 

 monotype on rice paper 10" diameter

      I had ordered the Encaustic printmaking plates and used those with the griddle with much success. After getting bored with the same shape and size, I rummaged through some of my old aluminum pieces I had used with the oil based  and Createx monotypes. I found a round 10" in diameter piece of the flat aluminum, and placed it on the griddle. Much to my surprise, it worked very well! I slowly fell in love with the circular plate. 

     I discovered that using the wax directly on the plate, then manipulating it with the brush worked best for me. I experimented with various papers, ranging from rice papers to traditional printmaking papers. 

     While I am new to this process, I plan on experimenting even further. 

Academy of Fine Arts National Juried Show 2012

     I just found out I had a piece selected for the Academy of Fine Arts National Juried Show 2012; Lee Sandstead is the juror for this show. The show opens on April 6th at 5 pm and closes on April 28th. 


     Also, try to make the opening of the Jacksonville Center's New Works show this coming Saturday at 6 pm in Floyd, VA at the Jacksonville center. Come meet the artists and feast your eyes on the beautiful works of regional artists. 

Fireflies

The full moon is on the horizon and I am dreaming of spring. 

The wondrous changes that take place on the Earth will soon be evident. 

"Fireflies"                                 (C) oil and wax on paper

One of my favorite parts of having warmer weather come are the fireflies. 

Magical fireflies. 

I long to sit on the porch and watch them again. 

Peaceful Waters

Peaceful Waters   ink drawing on recycled paper (C)

Spring...spring is around the corner. 

One of the most amazing changes signaling spring is observed in the ponds around me. 

The cloudy, grey, murk slowly emerges into a colorful place ready for the frogs to re-emerge and sing, peeping their spring songs for all the hollar to hear. 

The birds come to sip the fresh spring waters. 

Color is reflected from the seeds and bulbs planted in the fall, along with the spring skies splattered with the baby green fronds of new growth shooting from the sepia bark of winter on to the waters surface. 

Not as cold,  echoing the harsh staccato music of winter, the creek water is peaceful, making it's soulful music once more as it flows over the rocks.

Life emerges again.