Captures

Another day of fooling with cameras and sound to get the stage set for videos on how I work on a project. This is for Crafty Monkies, and will air mid-year. But first, I need to get the set nailed. Or printed, you might say.

 

When the Stars Align

Printing textiles that use the same pallet a well as a common motif, and most importantly, a common edge color make these works flow from one to another. I spent some time at the studio with more to try. The first two were printed during Australia printing week, and I don't think I can wait to use them!
 

Bit of Color to Wake You

 

Some of the prints I made along side the class of Australian printers were added to my website store. Color is strong, some were bumped with extra strength after proofing them against the color temperature of the wintertime studio. Testing the print mix strength is a must to know what you'll get. I want color!

Pattern Language

I can remember my childhood wallpaper. Patterns were all around me, and now that I've cleaned a cupboard, I realize that mom's teacups were part of that learning heritage. Live with pattern, learn.
 

Should've Stayed Home

I added about two dozen new prints to my website store. I chose them because #1 I have many and #2 I have others. Some I know I shouldn't let go, and when they do, have a tinge of remorse. Then I remember reasons #1 and #2. Have fun, new owner!
 

Repopulate

New prints were added to the design studio. One was a fragment with renewed life from dropped color, and it wants to chat with another piece that was waiting for that friend. I've made small progress on the winter project, but mainly set up the studio for tomorrow's virtual workshop "New Big Leaf".
 

Project for Crafty Monkies

I'm still playing around with glue here to see if it's usable to screen print. Crafty Monkies has gathered a half-dozen artists to create a work, as well as document how it was created. So, I'll be starting that soon. The theme is "Where is the Love" so I had a go at script. I'll keep you posted.
 

Glue Trick

Karen Cummings (KCummings.art) posted IG where she used dribbled paint, dried, then added to a collage. I tried washable glue on a sheet of freezer paper, dried it, and set it behind a screen. I'll check tomorrow if the glue removes clearly after being covered with thickened dye. Thanks, Karen!
 

Surprise Posting

 I was surprised to see my "In the Weeds" quilt show up on Instagram to highlight a workshop June 15-19  for the Pacific Northwest Art School in Coupeville, Washington. I love teaching there, and I'm thinking that I need to emphasize printing for wearables because we're going big and bold, of course!

Motif Explained

I added the print where I used the motif shown yesterday. But you've already see this, so I'll add another. Seems like it paid off to print using the same palette, and now these two could be easily combined into a larger work. I have plans!

Sources

Surface Designers develop patterns for applied design on various things from wallpaper to stationery to upholstery and beyond. I have found patterns in source books equally in my photographs. This one is a take on the flower motif. I'll show you how I've used it tomorrow. 

 

Challenge Your Selfies

Second Saturday was today with a round of artists talking about their work. Beth explained her portrait in oil, a serious rendition of herself, and very similar to what she is today. I spoke on my abstract piece, others on their portraits, and all were engaging. Take in a challenge, always worth it.
 

Just Silksceen Printing

The Schweinfurth Art Center will host my workshop for three days this May 29-31, 2026 -- Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 9 to 4, . As the title of the workshop goes, it is Just Silkscreens, so be prepared for some large scale, vibrantly colored prints. And it'll be during the opening of the SDA show, a bonus! 

 

Results Double Time

Finished the two prints that started out the same, and ended up differently. It's also the end of a week with Australian printers who will be in my workshop this April in Melbourne at the Convention. So much fun this week with this lovely group. Now for a nightcap and sleep. Thank you printers!
 

Double Your Pleasure

Intrepid Australians are in my online workshop this week (they start very early, I start very late) and we've taken on the print double prints, finish each in a different way. My start is above, and for that I've used a silkscreen with a soywax drawing on the back. Part two tomorrow.

 

Time for THE TALK

No matter the class, everyone gets to hear the lecture on Pat's seven compositional styles. Can't escape hearing  her tips for how to design from a blank yard/wall/theme. And if you repeat a class (ah, those repeat offenders) you'll get to hear it all over again. It's for the good.
 

How It's Done Well

Ellen Meeker's work Chairs from the Quilts=Art=Quilts exhibition amazed me. The composition, the subject matter, but more importantly, the exquisite detail and construction difficulty was superb. I'll put her statement below to show how she properly explained this work (and not her entire life). 

 

Full Wolf Moon

Judy Rosenberg's self-portrait seems a fitting full moon for January. Part of a portrait show, this ceramic has wonderful soulful faces, much like the man in the moon. I know I'm a day late reporting the full moon, but the wolf made me wait.
 

Where It Was

I went back to see Quilts=Art=Quilts before it closes Sunday. I'm always curious how the staging is set for these fiber works. My Lotusland is balanced with a large portrait by Fuzzy Mall (lower) and a pieced medallion by Laura Hartrich (upper). They all have great breathing room. 
 

First Friday Frivolity

First Friday had a live band down the hall, loads of folks oblivious to the 20 degree temperature (hey, it stopped snowing!) and looking for a chance to get out of the house and shake off the company of the holidays. I rehung the gallery walls, cleared off the tables, and opened a box of cookies. Feast!
 

Before I Shovel the Roof

We've enough snow to trigger a visit from the trusty snow plow, and cue my dance with the roof rake to take off part of the snow load. The rest of the day was organize, get a plane ticket to Australia, and clean up the piles of paper that were heaped from the Christmas clearing. A good new year start!