New Reduction for March!

And so it begins...

The first run of a reduction is so mysterious, what does it all mean!?!  It is also the hardest print to pull due to the large amount of area to be inked.  This print is one of the largest reductions I have pulled to date.  Even though I am committed to hand pulling all of my work... a press would have been handy with this one!   Wow, that was a workout!  I pulled 8 prints for the first run. Due to space and to save my poor abused back I kept the number low.  Hopefully I will have a solid 5 in the end worth keeping!  Two more colors to go...any guesses what I'm going for?  No pressure but my youngest noodle got it ;)

~Jane

Henry's Song

Henry's Song 

6x9 

Linocut

This piece came from the colors of the ocean.   I really want to break out of the traditional image shape I often use and see what would happen with negative space in my composition.  I like the energy of these waves although simple as they are. I'm always interested in the direction of waves and how the water moves.  The ocean is so awesome like that! In this print I used an ombre effect with my ink moving from a darker cyan to a lighter sea foam yumminess. I love rolling different  colors in one roll.  Another reason to get nerdy about my art!

I might come back with another color run on this print at a later date.  Stay tuned!!

The drying rack

Waves

Waves

Hand pulled Linocut

Ink on Archival Paper

5x7 image

8x10 framed

$50 Framed + $13.25 shipping

This is the first in a limited series of "Waves". Limited edition print of 5.   

I love new ways to represent water!  In this series I used an ombre effect with layers of blue moving darker towards the top and bottom. These blues were inspired by a trip out to the North tip of Siesta.  

I'm not sure which I like best...the white or the black frame?  I have them up on my easel in the front of the house and I think I like them together! HA! Its like the yin and yang of linocuts!

Enjoy the day!

~Jane

Waters - reduction print

 Waters 

Reduction print

Signed & numbered

(Edition of 5)

image 6x7

framed 11x14

$115 matted & framed + $15 shipping

Matted Print

$85 + $8 shipping

Waters is a reduction linocut print I have been working on for about 4 weeks.  I am always drawn to the glimmer in the water when I'm out on a sunny day. Its so magical, I could watch it for hours.  I was inspired to use a limited palette of 3 blues with this print. Something about blues draw me in. This was so fun and satisfying for me.  I think I'll enter this print into the Sarasota Art Center March juried show. Wish me luck. Such an exciting event with so many artists works it's a touch overwhelming! 

Enjoy!

~Jane

SaRtQ Print Party 2016

I went to a very cool event this past weekend at the Sarasota Art Center.  They had 13 local artist that dabbled in screen printing, some more professionally than others. You could buy a ticket for $5 and the artist would print his or her design on your item (clothing,canvas,or anything really) right in front of you. I should add there were only 3 women and 10 men, hmmmmm. All the same, fun for the entire family.

So, yes, I came prepared!  I even took the sweatshirt off my back and had it printed on, that wasn't in the plan when I dressed that morning! HA!

Printmaking is such a fun and versatile medium.  I think I need to consider printing on different items too!  Below are some pictures from the event and two of the items I had printed.  My kids got in on it too, one picked a field of lime green cows and another a large lotus flower you'll see below!

Beautiful purple moth on a new throw pillow for the entry bench!

Artist at work

My oldest picked this for his shirt

I'm so darn impulsive! Not a huge fan of motorcycles (I am a mom) but I loved the 2 color silkscreen.  

Biker Bird close up, his beak is pink! Love it!

Wednesday Blues

Wednesday Blues...

My Wednesday blues are very happy and exciting today.  I mixed the best blue today!  Started out working on my second pull of my new reduction, and I just couldn't get enough. I would have kept going if I had more room!  The blue is a Jane mixed gray base with just a touch of Caligo phthalo blue.  I think I might just submit this to the boss for our new exterior house paint color!  Love it that much.

Below is the second run from my reduction, up close. (The paper is wet and doesn't lay flat until dry, which is why it isn't square, I can't handle such things my eye is still twitching looking at the bottom left of this photo!)

One more pull of a darker blue and she's all done!  The final print is always the most exciting, but this second was a high in my day!  Yay for blue!

Check out the fun card I finally printed!  I carved it some time ago and haven't felt the urge to print it until now. It was inspired by...you guessed it, water!  I just cant get away from the ocean as my muse. I love this design because it isn't like anything I have done. I really just wanted to break down the current with its bubbles and sea foam. I printed it as a card with the hopes to work larger and use this as the study. Turned out alright! Green light to move forward.

Thanks for reading! Please let me know what you think in the comments!

~Jane

Reduction- The process

1st reduction linocut of the new year!

The reduction, or 'suicide' method of linocutting uses a single piece of lino to produce a multi-colored print. The lino is gradually cut away as each color is printed and the image emerges. Sometimes only a very small printable area remains for the final, darkest tone. As the block is essentially destroyed during the process, a reduction print can never be reprinted.

In the above picture you can see my setup.

 From left to right:  Wooden spoon from IKEA or barren-Critical to hand pull a print. I use the back of the spoon to burnish the paper over the linoleum. I prefer a spoon because I can use the edge or the flat back and really get a good pull out of it.  although its more of a workout.  Register Jig-I use this to line up every print I pull.  You can see the battleship gray linoleum in its place.  Ink- I only use oil based Caligio inks (easy clean up, its worth the extra shipping)  Brayer or roller- I use this to roll my ink on the linoleum.  These come in different sizes and hardness but this is my go to one. Palette knife - Used to mix ink and spread on my palette surface. I also use a clean palette knife to move my inked block into place.  Its not always easy to move things around all covered in ink!  Plexi-glass palettes- I use these to roll my ink and mix my ink. 2 different sizes works well for me, I have found to ask at framing stores for scraps to use.  

Here is the linoleum all inked up and ready to print its first run!

 The first run printed...

Such a fun process!

I will let these dry and revisit next week for the second run.

Have a great weekend!

~Jane

With Love...

With Love

Linocut

5x6

$6 (free shipping within US)

This is a new favorite print of mine. This linocut was craved by myself on battleship gray linoleum and hand pulled making each print unique.

  This sweet little swallow has such personality, and love!  In spirit of Valentine's Day and love I want to offer this print with free shipping within the US.  Send it to a special friend or family or frame it and keep it always!  I think I'll do both XO.  Please let me know if you would like more than one, I can work out a discount of multiple prints.

~Jane

Foggy February Morning

View from Bay Front Park

Sarasota Florida

Foggy February Morning

I had to race out this morning after I dropped the last noodle at school to get some good shots of the boats in the bay. Fog and boats, great combo!
Excited to paint boats this week! I know I had other plans with my painting this month but sometimes you have to go with whats in front of you.

Wherever you are today in the world find your slice and enjoy it!
~Jane

Love is in the air!

So happy to be back playing with printmaking today!  I have a few larger projects on the brain but I had to get my Valentine's made before it was too late!  I still have to hand paint the heart on my black bird but you get the picture!

There is just something about the smell of art. Every medium has one you know.  The smell of linseed oil and oil paints, the sharp smell of my oil based printmaking inks...whatever your medium is you know what I mean. It's like coming home when you haven't smelled it in a beat.  I haven't printed in almost a month. I've been so consumed with painting...but just one crack of the ink cap and I was back!!  SO GOOD

I hope you enjoy these and don't forget to send your own this year. Everyone needs a reminder of love!!
XO
Jane

30 Paintings In 30 Days - The finish line!

30 Paintings In 30 Days

January 2016

An entire months worth of daily paintings on the books!  I haven't painted so much continuously since college.  The journey was one of self-discovery in my art and how I view the world around me. 

Painting every day isn't always easy, you either want to or you don't.  I think pushing trough the ruff days makes you a better artist even if what you produce is junk.  I had a few days that I didn't even want to look at what I just painted, still don't HA! But for me if it doesn't work out I'm more determined to work it out!

Ultimately, living a creative life is what is most important to me. Every day when my kids would come home from school they asked, "what did you paint today mommy?"  Even they would think about it!  They are my biggest fans btw ;)  Raising children to be surrounded by art and the process is priceless.

I'm interested to continue painting and excited to see what the September challenge will bring for me!

"Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life" -Pablo Picasso

~Jane

Day 30 For The Win

Day 30

For The Win

9x12 Oil on Panel

$75 + $10 Shipping *US only

#30paintingsin30days

This painting marks the end of my daily painting in January.  How appropriate, that it's a boat racing scene!  I love watching the light bounce off the water and the ripples from a boat or fish jumping. This particular scene was from the SSS, Sarasota Sailing Squadron.  The boats come and go, young and old. I'm not brave enough to send my noodles out on one but love the idea of kids sailing in the bay. What a special thing to experience growing up!  Maybe I'll rethink and revise for the boys.  

I have enjoyed painting boats for the last few days. I was please to see may day 29 painting find a new home!  I think I'd like to work more with boat and much larger!  I think I see a lager easel in my future!  

Thanks for reading! Please leave a comment if you see something you like, I always love feedback of any kind!

~Jane

Day 29 Into The Fog

Day 29

Into The Fog

9x12 Oil on Panel

*Sold*

#30paintingsin30days

I'm enjoying where I've gone with my boats.  Just Wednesday I was out and about, it was a rainy day and the fog rolled in rather late. This isn't too typical here. Of course any time I can play in the fog I will. There is something about the sea when the fog rolls in that everything slows down and you really have to focus on the now. There is only what is in front of your nose and no more.

"Under the thinning fog the surf curled and creamed, almost without sound, like a thought tying to form itself on the edge of consciousness." -Raymond Chandler The Big Sleep (Great book BTW!)

Day 28 Day on the Bay

Day 28

Day on the Bay

9x12 oil on panel

$75 + $10 shipping US only

#30paintingsin30days

It's really been a crumby few days in my neck of the woods. Good thing I love crumby days!  There is just something about a rainy day that makes me feel happy to be glum...if that's even a thing!?

I spent the day in and out of the local architectural salvage shops dodging the rain but more than happy to walk in it. What can I say, I had my wellies on so bring it on puddles!  

I spent a beat near the sailboats just off  Bay Island. I had to dig into my picture archives to find this lovely gem.  Sailboats are a favorite to watch from any vantage. Even though I'm a kayak gal I'll happily let a sailboat pass, definitely not a yacht or wave runner but that's another story all together!

The day ended with a foggy walk on the beach with the little noodles. Plenty of treasures to be found!  Excited for tomorrows painting...I'll give you one guess ;-)

~Jane

Day 27 Sails

Day 27

Sails

6x6 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

I'm still deciding what I want to say about this, my head cold is making me a touch foggy. The facts: Anna Maria on a Sunday after Linner. Working small today 6x6.  I think I'll revisit this subject later this afternoon.  I haven't painted boats since Pont-Aven...

~Jane

Day 26 Attack!

Day 26

Attack!

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Fact: I love chasing seagulls. I cant help it, such a child!  I get it for these noodles :)  

We were up at Longboat and Anna Maria on Sunday and had such a lovely time on the beaches. A touch cold but that doesn't matter to my kids, or myself if I'm really being honest.  I live for beach days!  

~Jane

Day 25 Midnight Pass Shark Tank

Day 25

Midnight Pass Shark Tank

9x12 oil on canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Day 24 Blues

Day 24

Blues

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Cant help but love a limited palette...challenge accepted :)

I love a good overcast paddle.  This is around Neville Marine Preserve. There is a small mangrove island just off of the abandoned shark tanks of the 1950's...yes that right shark tanks. I think I'll paint that next. Its a spooky place to be. You can paddle right in and there you are, within the walls. No sharks anymore, we hope! lol!!

Fingers crossed this wind blows out!

Have a great Sunday!

~Jane

Day 23 Vamo Mangroves

Day 23

Vamo Mangroves

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Oh boy do I miss my kayak!  Its been weeks since I've been out!  This weather is just too crazy. The wind today is about 30 miles per hour!  Not the best conditions to paddle. Holding out for Monday or Tuesday.

This is one of my favorite spots to kayak alone.  Just off Vamo boat ramp, in the bay, there are a series of mangrove islands that are just lovely to paddle through. You can really tune out the world. The water is so shallow you can see the stingrays scurry off when you get close enough to see them. Depending on the time of year there are tons of horseshoe crabs all over!  Great spot for sure. I love my corner of the world!

Thanks for reading, have a great weekend!

~Jane

Day 22 View From The Rocks

Day 22

View From The Rocks

9x12 oil on canvas

#30paintingsin30days

The last week has been super busy for me. Some huge projects at the noodles school and a long event I somehow was the lead on...somehow, hmmmm. HA! That's what happens when you are the "creative" stay at home mom, am I right?!

I have managed to stay on top of this challenge, I'm not too easy to give up. But I don have to say with so much on my mind I can't seem to focus on the moment and really get into, and feel, what I'm working on. Therefore, I haven't liked one painting I've done over the last 4 days.  I resolve to put everything into tomorrow's work. WOW, just typing that and I'm a bit excited! I must still have it in me after all!

I need a moment or two with the beach.  We are experiencing some interesting weather as of late. I really want to capture it. Cant wait to see what my brain spawns tomorrow! 

Happy Friday!!

~Jane

Day 21 Turtle Sunset

Day 21

Turtle Sunset

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

Day 20 Morning Clouds

Day 20

Morning Clouds

9x12 Oil on Canvas

#30paintingsin30days

I got so lost in these clouds today! Another day at working on making my palette a touch more intense.  I'm not sure where I am with that... This painting did inspire a great conversation with my middle noodle about what we see in clouds. Funny how the brain tells you gray and white...same with the ocean. I mean after all the water is a reflection on the clouds and that includes all the yellows, pinks, purples and that hint of pale peach...I think he got it :)

I'm in the final push of my daily painting for the month of January.  I am ready to work on other projects that are piling up in my head, mainly linocuts...I think this marks the moment I start to go a little coco-nuts!

~Jane

Day 19 Morning After

Day 19

Morning After

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Morning after a storm on Siesta Key. My starting point for a morning run, the red lifeguard stand! And...GO!

Its a cold one here, highs in the low 60's! Bundle up!

~Jane

Day 18 Negotiations

Day 18

Negotiations

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 +$8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

I'm digging this color palette. I tend to go for a more washed out palette which gives me a certain beachy satisfaction.  I like pushing color to another level. Its there I see it but staying safe isn't always fun!

Birds are funny creatures...I thought I had walked up on something very important this day!

Have a great day!

~Jane

Day 17 Day At The Beach

Day 17

Day at the Beach

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

Last night my piece of paradise was hit by multiple tornadoes, mainland and the island.  We were directly in the path but the strongest of the bunch waited to touch down just north of us killing 2 and sending 4 children to the hospital.  Its with a heavy heart I say hold your loved ones tight, always help you neighbor and support one another in everyday life.  Once again reminded of how quickly things can change for so many.

Love the day, we are here to do just that!

XOXO

~Jane

Day 16 Dusk on Turtle

Day 16

Dusk on Turtle

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

I spent the morning dissecting a cloud! How about you?!? I love clouds and all the colors in them. Sunsets on the Gulf are nothing short of amazing! So full of color and intensity and Turtle Beach is the best spot for a sunset.

Its a beautiful day here, I think I'll take the boys to watch birds at the Celery Fields!

Have a great one!

~Jane

New take on New Years Resolutions

OK I'm taking a step away from my painting challenge blogging to talk about resolutions...or my breakdown of how I think it can actually work.

Every year I have resolutions, like most I try to start on the first day of January (or when the kids go back to school, which ever comes last...am I right!) But not everything sticks. It can be overwhelming and stressful for me to do it all at once!  So this year I am taking a different approach. I don't know maybe its been done before; all I know is it sounds like it could be just my cup off tea or very strong coffee!

So here goes. I want to break it down to every month resolutions. If it pops into my head I owe it to myself to give it a whirl no matter what, life's short right?! I'll try something new each month and if I have to change it or it just doesn't workout the way I hoped I can ditch it after 30 days and move on, no guilt! But 30 days does create a habit, that hopefully is hard to break.

Each month I'll make sure to post my months resolutions to hold myself accountable of course maybe it can inspire others to do the same. I think I just made a New Year's Resolution life hack! HA

January - #30paintingsin30days  So far so good with this.  I have only wanted to give up once but it's only 30 days right! The direction I have gone with my art is interesting. I never really fancied myself an abstract impressionist but I really like the feeling it gives me.  I will really dissect this experience after my time is up this month. So stay tuned!!

February - This month is a 2 part resolution, thus far.

1st, Work on my fitness! After a wonderful 4.5 mile hike last week I felt amazing, happy and fresh...oh I miss that so much and I need those things! I was a runner 5 days a week. I was a yogi 3 days a week, I was a swimmer once a week and my sweet Blue Bell my beautiful blue kayak I was on you for a strong paddle twice a week... at least!!  I have gotten away for all of it, sadly! Baby steps back to what works. For February I will make time for yoga, running and paddling EVERY WEEK! Because I need specific direction or I will slip lets say this, 3 days running- 1 day yoga- 1 day kayak.

2nd, Explore Portraiture - I'm a little bit scared but a lot excited! Not much I can say about this now.  I haven't quite wrapped my head around this yet...but its there!

I know this was a long one so thanks for sticking with me! Enjoy your weekend, I need to hop on a painting, still not sure what that will be!
~Jane
  

Day 15 Siesta Fall Colors

Day 15

Siesta Fall Colors

11 x 14 oil on canvas

$75 + $10 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

It is so funny how painting something I really like makes everything better!  It is a drab rainy day, not complaining because I LOVE a nice rainy day.  I love listening to Nina Simone and being tucked away in my studio space.  What a great morning for that.  

Today I chose another beach pathway. This was very late fall on Siesta. I love how the sea grasses turn bright purple but still look and feel so soft.  If it wasn't for the fear of what's waiting for me in there I'd wander through it, but its probably in my best interest to stay on the path...in this case at least.  

I really wanted to push my palette for more contrast.  I think I achieved that here and I'm pleased with the results!

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Day 14 Pops

Day 14

Pops

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30day

Day 14...ALMOST HALF WAY THERE!!  Working outside of what I'm comfortable with has been humbling at times. The feedback has been great, so thank you for that.  I have found I love painting in a more impressionist style. It will be interesting to see what subjects I choose next. From day to day I really don't have a clue what I'm going to paint. Honestly at first it was terrifying but now I like to surprise myself, I really only decide in the hour or so before I start anything and then alter it in the moments before I mix my pallete.  Squishy paint and brush strokes make me happy!

Thanks for reading!

~Jane

Day 13 The Gang's All Here

Day 13

The Gang's All Here

8x10

Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

"I get by with a little help from my friends." -The Beatles

Day 12 Winter Fog

Day 12

Winter Fog

8x10 Oil on Canvas

$50 + $8 shipping

#30paintingsin30days

I sat and watched this fisherman stand at the edge of the water not sure how I was able to see anything it was so foggy with a fine morning mist that chilled me to my toes. I spent the rest of the day trying to get the feeling back in my poor toes! So worth it, foggy beach days are so wonderful!

"Art is not a handicraft, it is the transmission of feeling the artist has experienced."

-Tolstory 

~Jane