"Walk With Me"

"Walk With Me", originally uploaded by pejnolan.

You (yes, YOU!) are cordially invited to view the "Walk With Me" show featuring relief prints by Erin Nolan at Bliss Bead Studio and Gallery located at 161 E. Lincoln Highway, DeKalb, Illinois.

The show runs from Monday, September 21 thru Saturday October 10, 2009 with an artist reception on Thursday, September 24th from six to eight in the evening. Hope to see you there!

half way there...

half way there..., originally uploaded by pejnolan.

This will be a two block print: black and a watercolor wash for contrast between the forground and background. I really need to work faster to have as many new works as I want for the Bliss Bead show. If anyone wants to purchase some Japanese woodblock tools because they just won the lottery and have nothing better to do with their windfall, I wouldn't complain. I'm trying out some birch instead of my usual linoeum. I like it in some respects, but not in others. It's good to try new things.
This tree was at Ellison Bay Bluff Headlands Park in Door County, Wisconsin.

Artist James Armstrong

I just found an artist in California whose name is James Armstrong. The Arts and Crafts style is one of his primary influences which is probably why I like his work so much. Take a peek at it online at the Just Looking Gallery. If you look closely, you might be able to see how he is using directional brushstrokes - especially viewable on the lower portion of the trunk on of the double-branched tree on the right. While some areas are more atmospheric, I like the strokes of individual color. I would like to create a print using these qualities. The directional strokes are also what I admire about Van Gough's drawings.

There is so much energy shown! It isn't studied or overworked. So fresh and lively!

I've been working on a few blocks. This time I'm trying out wood, specifically birch, instead of my usual linoleum. There has been some challenges already. It is really difficult to cut with the grain because it splinters and chips. I would have thought that to be the case if I went against the grain. I was wrong. I do like to hear the blade slice through the wood. It is a unique sound. The feel of the wood in my hands along with its scent is wonderful, too. It will be a little while more before I can post my new work. I've got an upcoming solo show at Bliss Beads in just four short weeks.