Screen-printing - first image

I'm taking a screen-printing on paper class - this is one of the first images I created after learning some basic steps. Utility pole images have started creeping into my sketches and paintings so I figured it would be good to try that out in this workshop.

Utility pole, screen-print (sample from workshop), 2008

It's the first time I've ventured into screen-printing but so far I like it. I like working fast and creating a lot of art; screen-printing definitely has that quality. Mostly though, I just wanted to learn something new, something that I could possibly incorporate into my own work. At the very least, it will help get the creative juices flowing and give me some new ideas to explore and techniques to try out.

Screen-printing - first image

I'm taking a screen-printing on paper class - this is one of the first images I created after learning some basic steps. Utility pole images have started creeping into my sketches and paintings so I figured it would be good to try that out in this workshop.

Utility pole, screen-print (sample from workshop), 2008

It's the first time I've ventured into screen-printing but so far I like it. I like working fast and creating a lot of art; screen-printing definitely has that quality. Mostly though, I just wanted to learn something new, something that I could possibly incorporate into my own work. At the very least, it will help get the creative juices flowing and give me some new ideas to explore and techniques to try out.

Work in Progress: Utility Pole (purple haze)

Utility Pole (purple haze), work in progress, acrylic on board, 2008

The gesso board I'm using for this painting is a new type of surface I've been working with and so is the subject matter. The idea is to keep the brushstrokes loose and design a simple composition. I'm using the wires as an abstract element to give the painting some movement. This painting is close to being done -- just needs some touch-ups, including removing the dark lines under the flying bird. I'm also not happy with the bird on the right so that needs some reworking too. The goal is to have it done in time for the 7th annual ArtWalkRavenswood to show during our studio open house on October 4th-5th.

Work in Progress: Utility Pole (purple haze)

Utility Pole (purple haze), work in progress, acrylic on board, 2008

The gesso board I'm using for this painting is a new type of surface I've been working with and so is the subject matter. The idea is to keep the brushstrokes loose and design a simple composition. I'm using the wires as an abstract element to give the painting some movement. This painting is close to being done -- just needs some touch-ups, including removing the dark lines under the flying bird. I'm also not happy with the bird on the right so that needs some reworking too. The goal is to have it done in time for the 7th annual ArtWalkRavenswood to show during our studio open house on October 4th-5th.

New Finished Painting: Weed St. Watertank

Weed St. Watertank, acrylic on wood panel, 12x12, 2008

I took the day off from my day job today. Got over to the studio early -- framed a painting, and added a hanging wire to another. Then, finished up Weed St. Watertank. By adding in the red, purple, and pink it really brightened it up and brought it together. And yes, the watertank is actually pink. Check out the photo I took below that I used as reference.

Weed St. Watertank, photograph, 2008

After starting two more new paintings this afternoon, made it home in time to meet my wife so we could get downtown to Millennium Park to see a free concert by Chicago's very own, Andrew Bird. He's a multi-talented musician and songwriter whose frequently in rotation on my studio playlist. His offbeat lyrics and music always give me some needed inspiration and creative visual ideas.

New Finished Painting: Weed St. Watertank

Weed St. Watertank, acrylic on wood panel, 12x12, 2008

I took the day off from my day job today. Got over to the studio early -- framed a painting, and added a hanging wire to another. Then, finished up Weed St. Watertank. By adding in the red, purple, and pink it really brightened it up and brought it together. And yes, the watertank is actually pink. Check out the photo I took below that I used as reference.

Weed St. Watertank, photograph, 2008

After starting two more new paintings this afternoon, made it home in time to meet my wife so we could get downtown to Millennium Park to see a free concert by Chicago's very own, Andrew Bird. He's a multi-talented musician and songwriter whose frequently in rotation on my studio playlist. His offbeat lyrics and music always give me some needed inspiration and creative visual ideas.

Work in Progress: Warhol-Mare

Warhol-Mare (work in progress), acrylic on clay board

I started this painting yesterday. I'm using a reference photo of my wife that I digitally enhanced to give it an Andy Warhol-style look. It's a square format, much like Warhol frequently used for his portraits of celebrities. Thus, the working title: Warhol-Mare. It's acrylic on clay board, which is a softer surface laid on top of wood. I first added some designs by scratching into the clay board with a screwdriver. Then, I added a wash of purple as a background. Next, I sketched the composition with marker then added the areas of color. I have a little more work to do like fixing some proportions and adding some details so it's probably about 75% finished. Another fun little experiment...

Work in Progress: Warhol-Mare

Warhol-Mare (work in progress), acrylic on clay board

I started this painting yesterday. I'm using a reference photo of my wife that I digitally enhanced to give it an Andy Warhol-style look. It's a square format, much like Warhol frequently used for his portraits of celebrities. Thus, the working title: Warhol-Mare. It's acrylic on clay board, which is a softer surface laid on top of wood. I first added some designs by scratching into the clay board with a screwdriver. Then, I added a wash of purple as a background. Next, I sketched the composition with marker then added the areas of color. I have a little more work to do like fixing some proportions and adding some details so it's probably about 75% finished. Another fun little experiment...

New Finished Painting: Fairfield Avenue Sunset

Fairfield Avenue Sunset, acrylic on wood panel, 16x20, 2008

Yesterday, I added some red and orange color to the new Fairfield Avenue Sunset painting and finished it up with a final protective varnish. The sides are painted black so it probably doesn't need a frame. But, I think I'm going to pick up a cherry red wood frame to see how that looks. I think it will pick up the color from the birds nicely and give it a little character.

Here's a close up of the birds to give a better idea of the colors and textures.

Fairfield Avenue Sunset (Detail), acrylic on wood panel, 16x20, 2008

New Finished Painting: Fairfield Avenue Sunset

Fairfield Avenue Sunset, acrylic on wood panel, 16x20, 2008

Yesterday, I added some red and orange color to the new Fairfield Avenue Sunset painting and finished it up with a final protective varnish. The sides are painted black so it probably doesn't need a frame. But, I think I'm going to pick up a cherry red wood frame to see how that looks. I think it will pick up the color from the birds nicely and give it a little character.

Here's a close up of the birds to give a better idea of the colors and textures.

Fairfield Avenue Sunset (Detail), acrylic on wood panel, 16x20, 2008