FIRST CUTS

I spent about an hour last night doing the initial cutting on the new linocut.

HERE WE GO...

Received a batch of new Art Print linoleum (Battleship) from McClains, and now need to put it to use. Starting with a black and white (plus gray) 8X10. Planning on three reduction cuts and just finished the basic drawing on the block.

ART FOR A FRIEND

A good friend of mine, who teaches here in Big Bear, gave me a photograph that she really likes and asked me if I could paint it for her. I went back to my old stand by, acrylics and think I like the results.

TOM KILLION - PRINTMAKER

My interest in all forms of printmaking, and especially wood and lino prints, finds me exploring the internet looking for artist who excel in these techniques. Tom Killion is one such artist. He has a studio in Point Reyes, California, and his fantastic prints show the beauty of that state. He combines a traditional Japanese technique along with his own special touches in his work.

http://tomkillion.com/

On the right is one of my Woodblock prints.

SIMONE BINGMER

I have found myself working with pastels a lot over the last few months. I think part of the reason is the pace they allow you to work at. Also, I struggle with watercolors so much, never being able to correct problems I encounter. With both pastels and acrylics, I find it much easier to fix things that I am unhappy with. I was sent a link to Simone Bingmer's web site. She is a wonderful pastel artist who lives in Cologne. I've never been quite sure weather to call the pastels I do paintings or drawings. Hers are definitely paintings. They look like beautiful oil portraits.

http://www.simonebingmer.de/index_en.html

On the right is one of my attempts.

GREAT ART SITE PLUS NEW PASTEL

Here is another great website with tons of information and links to all kinds of art techniques. If you are interested in painting, drawing, photography, sculpture, printmaking (my favorite), pastels or ceramics, you find something you like here. Also great links to artists on the home page. The painting at the left is a watercolor by Lori Pitten Jenkins.

http://www.artshow.com/resources/printmaking.html

The painting to the right is another pastel from my trip to Colorado.

COLORADO PASTEL

Spent the last couple of nights working on a pastel from one of the pictures of Colorado. My plan is to use it as a value scale for a larger acrylic painting.

BACK IN BIG BEAR

I have been away for a number of days but now happily back home. We flew to Colorado for the Navy, Air Force football game over the weekend. Spent a few extra days taking pictures of the fantastic scenery the area provides. This should give me subject matter for my art for a long while.