photo images

amongst printing in studio have been exploring with the camera lens. Here are a few recent photograpic studies.

2nd relief engraving - The Wild Rose (a botanical print)

This botanical study of a wild rose blossom is a working proof printed from a small 1.5 x 2.75 inch resingrave block. I was using it as an exercise to practice cutting with a variety of engraving tools. I also received a small sample tube of Gamblin oil relief printing ink from McClain's and so had the opportunity to try it out with the block.

The first image is simple black ink proof printed on white paper. Below that is a hand tinted version that incorporates watercolour.

The image began as a drawing made onto an black india ink coated resingrave block surface with a fine point silver gel marker. Then using a variety of engraving tools I cut away the silver lines (but some non-drawn line cuts were made spur of the moment on the block).

A tip I learned from wood engraver/author George Walker's book The Woodcut Artist's handbook is to brush some chalk or white talcum powder into the cut lines as this will help the relief to become more visible while working on the dark block.

I have printed several proofs so far on a variety of different papers that include Gampi, Kozo, Somerset velvet rag and Arches cover buff.

The block was printed onto the papers using a cardboard tympan set over top and passed under the top roller of my small table top etching press that was adjusted to print using a slight pressure.

Linda Dell - Thunder Bay artist

Continuing with the profiles of talented local artists I would like to introduce you to Linda Dell.

I have known her for several years (since she was enrolled in a Fine Arts program at our local university) and have really been impressed with her paintings. I love her play of dark and light values, composition & choice of subject matter but it is her colour palatte that really grabs my attention.

Linda has a website: http://www.lindadell.com/

I would highly recommend visiting and having a look at all the gorgeous work she has created and available for purchase.

Here are a few thoughts in her own words about what she creates :

"I am attracted to employing many styles of brushwork. The polished look of blended oils in an art deco work is just as appealing to me as the broken brushwork I sometimes use. The polished blending takes more time to accomplish so it balances my use of time to include works that involve the immediacy of less rigorous styles. Sometimes I will treat the same subject two completely different ways. "

I am interested in lines and edges of things. Many of my works have amplified edges.
I am also interested in the use of colour. The first thing I teach in my painting classes is colour mixing. I feel it is important for a visual artist to understand how to use colour and value.

Pale Yellow Iris

Pale Yellow Iris, 2008 oil on 10" x 8" canvas, is a flower painting done last summer. This charming little work was reserved before it was finished.

Ophelia Reconsiders

Ophelia Reconsiders is one of my most talked about works. (18" x 24")
It is filled with symbols and meaning making which speak to the issue of suicide prevention.

I enjoy teaching art at the local art supply shop and to youths at risk.
I often listen to music or audio books while I paint in my studio.

Jason P. Nelson - Thunder Bay Sculptor

Octopus Marginatus

Alabaster and Hematite on a Granite Base

15x10x9,

2008

Jason P. Nelson

I recently became acquainted with a Jason Nelson, a sculptor who resides and works out of his studio here in Thunder Bay.
Jason has a website that features quite an array of some amazing sculpture created primarily using natural marble, alabaster and soapstone.
http://www.thestonesculptor.com/


This artist displays a real talent with the medium and obviously dedicates a lot of time carving the stone and getting every tiny detail to capture the realism of the subject.