Woodblock cutting and printing workshop

The Art Barn
Nine artists gathered at Kitty's beautiful farm and lovely studio space.

We said our hello's and found a spot to sit and learn a new technique.

Kitty is the lady in red and Stephanie the one who organized us is in blue.

The workshop was taught by Debby Neely of Green Mountain Studio. Her wildlife blockprints that I have seen are stunning. I wish she had a blog so you could see her work.

We started by putting our design on the wood...Jill works on a floral design.

Suzanne carves on her block.

Then with lots of encouragement from Debbie we all started to carve and gouge.

Kitty was the first to print.

Inking the block.

I'm not sure of the terms but here she is rubbing the paper firmly to transfer the ink.

Debbie checks to see if enough ink was put down.

And look at that! It was like magic to us, Kitty's turtle came out beautiful.

That first print opened the gates and we were off, working in teams we printed our blocks with plenty of conversation and laughter.

Paula helps Cynthia print her bird and then the favor is returned.

Louise has made a fantastic sunflower.

Suzanne's beautiful lady.

Cynthia's clever little bird.

Paula's tulips are on the top row, my heron is on the left and Stephanie's bird is taken from her assemblage work is on the right.

Tammy was so good at this she was able to make two, bottom left "3 jugs" and this very cute Zebra.

I somehow missed our other participant Suzanne #2 I didn't get a photo of her or her print, darn it all.

Good bye to the Art Barn once again. Thank you kitty for sharring your space.

No Desk Photo Friday

Because I was having a blast on a boat!

Dayna a Portland Art Collective buddy and her husband Howard invited Norm and I for a cruise on their boat Rapture. The river was calm and the rain stayed away,it was a bit cool but Dayna passed out deck blankets and we were cozy up top watching the land drift by.

Heading down Multnomah channel.

Portland looks great from the deck of a boat.

We saw some great house boats, I would love to live in one.

Dayna and I thought this would make a great little art studio.

Dayna waves good bye as Howard takes Norm and I across the river in the dingy. Wow that was a fun day, thanks Howard and Dayna.

Folk Art Museum

I love the colors in this piece but forgot to write down it's history.

The wood carvings with their bold colors and simplified shapes record everyday life.

I had such a wonderful time visiting Virginia and really look forward to going back sometime.

Virginia Part 2

Can I do that Michelangelo? was the second class I taught in Hampton, VA

This beautiful girl looking in a mirror was made by Victoria a fun student in the class.

Here are others working on some fantastic sculptures. I had such a nice time in this class and want to thank each of you for a wonderful day.


My friend Jan and I took a day to visit Williamsburg.

I knew I was in for something special when I saw this.


The governors palace

The word "Palace" was first used for the governor's house about 1714. Whether the term was used as irony in reference to its expense, or simply to designate an official residence is debatable.

Brickmakers

The brick work on this house took my breath away.

In 18th-century Virginia, slaves, poor unskilled free laborers, and sometimes indentured or convict servants practiced the brickmaking trade. In large yards owned and overseen by a master and in family-owned businesses, men, women, and children participated in the trade.



Printer and Binder

In the 20th century, while excavating the site of Parks' shop, archaeologists found lead border ornaments used for French and Indian War currency.
Archaeologists also uncovered hundreds of bits of metal type, apparently of Dutch origin. Colonial printers imported cases of type from European foundries


Blacksmith

The James Anderson Blacksmith Shop on Duke of Gloucester St. A shot from the back yard, I loved the old broken bellows.


Silversmith

The 18th-century silversmith was thought of as someone akin to a sculptor. Both had to know how to shape their materials with artistic talent, taste, and design.

Apothecary

A colonial apothecary practiced as doctor. Records kept by 18th-century Williamsburg's apothecaries show that they made house calls to treat patients, made and prescribed medicines, and trained apprentices. Some apothecaries were also trained as surgeons and man-midwives.



We saw bold and imaginative pieces of colonial and contemporary folk art in the Public Hospital building. I will show you some of that work in a few days, I was stunned by the carvings.

Friday Desk Photo- bird house

It is very clear to see I did not accomplish my goal this week to clean and expand my work space, oh well I'm having fun and making art!

My friend Jan bought a necklace in Australia that I admired and keep thinking about but couldn't quite remember what it looked like so yesterday I made my version and I'm wearing it today on a black sweater.

This is the second one I made with the scalloped roof. The base or main body of the house is etched copper and the roof is brushed copper the little pine cone and chain are silver.

This is the first attempt but thought I would show you how it evolved.

A different view so you can see the little perch for a bird, the top bar it hangs on represents a branch.

A few photos from last weekend at my kids mountain cabin. It is on the White Salmon river and very near Hood River the hot spot in Oregon for water sports.

Lupins in the rain.

Was this fence at the edge of a garden once? Natures garden is taking it back.