Category: Printmaking

The Proposition

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The Proposition

2015

oil on panel

8 by 10″

I just finished this painting moments ago; it is a companion to a relief print bearing the same name.

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Now off to tend to the beasties.

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 Post Script: kind words concerning this painting my my new favorite podcasts Pleasure Town.

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Link: http://pleasuretownshow.com/blog/

A Proof for Jim

As I run  proofs of a new plate I have just finished cutting, I am reminded of the man who taught me all I know ( or remember) about printmaking, Jim Machacek, who recently retired from teaching printmaking at San Diego community colleges for thirty years. I find myself fastidiously looking for errant marks, unnecessary details and the quality of the inking. I can hear him griping out loud to the class “TOO much ink!”- too much ink makes a muddy print and was the bane of his teaching career apparently. But as I run my fifth proof, nearing the end of the editing (I think), I’m deeply grateful for the rigor Jim instilled in me.

This proof, for a new print The Proposition is for Jim’s approval.

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 The Proposition

 2015

relief print on paper

10 by 14 inhes

This has been a tricky composition for me, layering the figures, adding shadows in two colors but I am going in the direction I had  hoped for. I initially thought of employing a separate plate for the shadows but after looking at German Expressionist prints I was inspired to more fully utilize the drama of black and white. I may still make separate color plates for contrast color but I’m pleased with this print. I’m glad I have Jim in the back of my mind guiding my cuts.

Thanks Jim.

IMG_7386My teacher and friend Jim Machacek taken at LACMA this week, in front of Noah Purifoy’s The Spaceman. I’m happy Jim drove up from San Diego, battling insufferable traffic, to visit me; I’m hoping to see him soon once again on his turf.

My Shaggy Valentine

Happy Saint Valentine’s Day! 

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Romeo

 2015

relief print on rag paper, artist’s edition

9 by 12″

This print makes me giggle, the poor Wildman  just hasn’t a clue, finding himself befuddled by all the romantic hubbub. I can certainly relate to his confusion. So often in my own relationship with David ( 19 years?  ), I mess up on being openly affectionate. Often missing the cues , I can relate to the Wildman’s clumsy efforts …

But in truth dear David, you have my heart.

photo 12 copy

wedding vows, 2008, West Hollywood,CA

The Great War God, Huitzilopochtli, take 2

Last evening I completed a small painting, I like to think of it as an icon, an icon to a dreadful god. Once again, the great war god of Tenochtitlan has captured my imagination, this time expressed in oil.

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 The Great War God, Huitzilopochtli 

2015

oil on canvas

8 by 12 “

I had previously made a series of relief prints depicting the god,  link HERE.

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The Great War God Huitzilopochtli

2015

relief print on paper

9 by 12″

This isn’t the most fearsome  depiction of  a war god , Ares seems far more terrible (and cowardly) in the Iliad. Somehow my war god translated into something  gentle and bumbling, I’m thinking that is a good thing.

Be well, Lg

Mater eius Luna

Tuesday the 20th of January is supposed to be a big deal, at least so I am told by my lunar minded friends. So to honor the occasion I’ve put together a new relief print, Mater eius Luna, The Mother of the Moon.

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Mater eius Luna (The Mother of the Moon)

2015

relief print on rag paper

My desire was to capture the stages of the Moon in one image, that her stance is typically Marian is a happy accident.

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I’m invited to a New Moon party this Tuesday, I’m bringing light by means of lunar inspired candles. The printed images awaiting to be glued upon the blank votives,thinking an even dozen.

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Wishing all a happy New Moon, it also happens to be my mother’s birthday on the 20th, so happy birthday to Mater.

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Yorick

I’ve mentioned I’m taking an English composition course which I am enjoying a great deal. Revisiting old “friends” such as Oedipus, but meeting new as well. I’ve never read Hamlet before, I’m familiar enough with the play, but I never sat down and actually read it. Good grief what a fantastic bit of work. I’m still spinning from it, terrible tragedy and yet zingers worthy of Monty Python. I’m going to need to re-read it just to feel more immersed in the drama.

This little print (quite small, the plate is only 4 by 6 inches) of Yorick was inspired by my enthusiasm . 

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Yorick

2014

relief print on paper

plate size, 4 by 6 inches

“Alas, poor Yorick! I knew him, Horatio; a fellow of infinite jest, of most excellent fancy; he hath borne me on his back a thousand times; and now, how abhorred in my imagination it is! My gorge rises at it. Here hung those lips that I have kissed I know not how oft. Where be your gibes now? Your gambols? Your songs? Your flashes of merriment, that were wont to set the table on a roar? “(Hamlet, V.i)

Until next time, be well,

Lg