Wednesday, July 5, 2017

New work: Canicule 2

Canicule 2
16" x 16" painted papers collage on wc paper
It seems that I have been doing the last several pieces in pairs so here is the 2nd of two pieces for this series. For this one I relied on the "invert color" function in my Picasa photo editing program. I think what the thing does is turn darks to lights and lights to darks. I liked the design layout so kept that "as is" but switched up some of the values.

One of the things I struggled with, besides selecting the values I wanted, was the mix of prints. I have this idea that a variety of scale is important. So, I had to arrange things so that I had a good variety but also that I had the color and value that I thought was appropriate. I always have some idea too about color relationships and proportion. I know that making art can be spontaneous and emotional but the above "cerebral" things are what drive my initial efforts. I suppose really that it is the colors I select which contain the emotional components of art making.

In other news, we seem to have an abundance of critters on our property this summer. We have what can be either voles or gophers. I am leaning towards voles based on the pictures on the Internet and the fact that there was a dead one outside my studio window a few days ago. I got to see him sort of up close. Dead animals freak me out a little so I didn't look too carefully but I am fairly sure he was a vole. (I gave him a burial out by the oak tree at lunchtime.) We also have some coyotes possibly living/relaxing on our hillside. They are young and very yippy. There have also been a lot of quail this year. The little ones are as big as tennis balls and very cute. None of it can be helped. We live in the country, there was a lot of rain this year and I suspect that everyone multiplied accordingly. The good news though is that the wasps seem to be not as prevalent as they have been in years past. Thank God for small mercies!

OK, off to do some mono printing and prepping of surfaces for more collage. I have let up on my studio time as of late so things progress kind of slowly around here. Hope everyone is having a good week so far. Thanks for reading and commenting.
Libby
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5 comments:

  1. UnknownJuly 5, 2017 at 5:24 PM

    I'm really enjoying your printmaking additions to your papers, Libby. this is really great!

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    Replies
    1. Libby FifeJuly 8, 2017 at 1:55 PM

      Thanks Carol. I really like the printmaking idea. I think it adds some additional depth. Plus, the prints are pretty fun to do!

      I am working on some other monoprints now, sort of as a side idea, and I am enjoying these a lot also. I will just wait to see how everything unfolds and if my idea pans out:)

      Hope you are doing well. Thanks as always for your visit.
      Libby

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  2. Debbie NolanJuly 6, 2017 at 12:31 PM

    Dear Libby - this is another great piece - the dark rust vibrates well against that lovely shade of green. I can really see how well the values work too. Your critters made me smile...we certainly have our share here as well. Raccoons are rampant and phew -skunks everywhere! Have a delightful weekend. Hugs!

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    Replies
    1. Libby FifeJuly 8, 2017 at 2:07 PM

      Thank you so much Debbie! I eventually was pleased with this second piece:)

      I haven't seen any sign of the various wildlife in our yard though Rich says the voles are now eating another plant. We have an abundance of life and food I think because of the rain. There is still water around which attracts the animals too. we will see:) It's life in the country.

      Thanks you as always for your kind comments. I hope your weekend is going well.
      Libby

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  3. FAFREEDFebruary 12, 2020 at 9:17 AM

    That is really nice to hear. thank you for the update and good luck. work at home ideas for moms

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Thank you for taking the time to comment. I appreciate it! I reply back in an email if you are signed in and I can see your address. Otherwise I will post the reply here under your comment. I tend to cut and paste my emails too so that others can experience the back and forth which I think is integral to blogging.
Libby

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