"Saddleback Steamroller WoodBlock Party" Ali's Video

Ali M., a fellow beginner in Vinita Voogd's printmaking class and a film production major, filmed the Steamroller event. His amazing 4-1/2 minute video can be seen in HD at this link, https://vimeo.com/41806497. The photo above is from Ali's video.

The video can also be seen here.

Chine-collé and a Goose

"Goose"

Chine-collé Linocut Print, Ink on Paper

9-1/2"x9-1/2" (approx.)

© 2012 Bernard Echanow

While I resolve video problems with my "Saddleback Steamroller Woodblock Party" post, I thought I'd post another printmaking project.

As a beginner, this semester's required projects listed in my printmaking class syllabus included two linoleum linocuts and prints, one chine-collé print, one blend(ed) roll print and one zinc plate intaglio print.

The 3-colored blended roll of my first linocut "Callas of Descanso" (not shown) and the black ink on paper of the "Goose" linocut (not shown) are currently on display at Saddleback College. I learned a tremendous amount on how to use the linocut tools between carving the linoleum for "Callas of Descanso" to carving the linoleum for "Goose".



Above is the linocut for "Goose". It is cut in reverse. One has to carefully consider what is desired in the final print - what areas are to be inked and what areas are to have the uninked paper color show through. It's a bit of a brain twister.

I derived the image from a photo I took in 2006 at Lago Santa Margarita. I've been wanting to use the image artistically for the past 6 years. The orignal photo can be seen below.

"Saddleback Steamroller WoodBlock Party" 2nd Post

Just after the steamroller made it's pass, I pulled my first print.

The middle image shows a picture of the unprinted finished block a couple of days prior to the event. It was 24"x42". 42" was the width of the print paper.

At the bottom is my print hanging to dry.

I'll reload the video as soon as I resolve link problems.

(Disregard dates shown.)

"Saddleback Steamroller WoodBlock Party"

I'm attending a printmaking class at Saddleback College taught by Vinita Voogd. I think it's fair to say Vinita is an internationally recognized printmaker. One of the projects was to create a woodblock to be printed by a steamroller. That activity is scheduled for this coming Friday, April 20, 2012.

I finished the block early this afternoon...

For those who personally know me, yes, that is me holding a tool, a sharp tool...and I never cut myself!

Vinita is an incredible instructor and many of the class members produce gallery, if not musuem, quality work.

If all goes well, I'll post a pic of my print, "Cambria".

For more information see the Los Angeles Printmaking Society site.

Ink and Watercolor

Still Lifes with Vase,

Pomegranate and Pear

For a very, very long time I wanted to combine drawing in ink with watercolor painting. That was a very readily achievable goal, but I put that off while I focused on other art-related endeavors (that's just another way of saying I procrastinated for a very, very long time).

In attending an energetic reception at one of our favorites, Schroeder Studio Gallery, a lonely clipboard, sitting off to the side, teased my curiosity. As I sauntered up to it, I spotted a sheet clipped to the board headlined “Ink & Watercolor Workshop Signup”. I decided not to argue with Fate. I gave Judy Schroeder my deposit.

I ended up spending a completely enjoyable Saturday and Sunday with a small, enthusiastic group of first-time-ever and intermediate level painters. At the very comfortable studio storefront, Judy Schroeder provided the instruction, guidance and creative spark. During those two days, Judy made sure that everyone of us got every penny’s worth of our workshop fee. She paced us through a series of assignments from testing permanent and water soluble ink pens and pen brushes by themselves, then in a variety of combinations with watercolors, and onto a final painting incorporating our favorite techniques.

Water and Pens Test Sheet

Judy’s studio contained all the source material, vases and plastic produce for still lifes and reference photos for scenic themes. Everyone us chose and arranged our objects and proceeded to respond to Judy’s challenges. I had no expectation of producing frameable work, I just wanted to learn and experiment. I left Judy’s studio Sunday afternoon feeling fully satisfied at having accomplished a goal, long ago imagined.

I’m finally posting some of my efforts from that weekend. Judy will be conducting another “Ink & Watercolor” workshop in June of this year, 2012.

Happy at the Guggenheim

My wife and I went to the OAA reception Saturday evening. There were about 187 works on display. There was a table filled with goodies and it was a very pleasant low key gathering.

28 oils were juried into the show. For the oils, there were 1st, 2nd and 3rd place cash prizes and 3 honorable mentions.“Mattie” won an Honorable Mention ribbon. I couldn’t be happier!

"Laguna Coast Wilderness Morning"

"Laguna Coast Wilderness Morning"

8"x10", Oil on Canvas Board

© 2011 Bernard Echanow

UPDATE:  "A Companion of Diana" won a Second Place ribbon at the Orange Art Association's June 2011 meeting in the Intemediate General Media category.

UPDATE:  "Lago Santa Margarita, Reflections" won an Intermediate Oils/Acrylics Honorable Mention ribbon at the Orange Art Association's June 2011 meeting.

I Proudly Present "Mattie"

"Mattie"

11"x14", Oil on Canvas

© 2011 Bernard Echanow

UPDATE:  "Mattie" won a Second Place ribbon at the Orange Art Association's May meeting in the Intemediate General Media category.

UPDATE:  "Penguin on Ice" won a First Place ribbon in the Intermediate Watercolor category at the Orange Art Association's May meeting.

"Sycamores"

"Sycamores"

8"x10", Oil on Canvas Board

© 2011 Bernard Echanow

This is my submission to the Alice Thompson Calypso Moon Artist Movement "Landscape Challenge." "Sycamores" began as a plein air painting. I spent a couple of additional hours  refining it in the studio.

By the way, "Mattie" (working title: "Matanuska") was completed and is visiting an art show through March 25. I'll be posting her photo sometime after that date.

My Left Paw

My left paw needs more work.

I'm now focusing on completing the paws. They have been very challenging. The paws are very dusty in the photo from which I'm painting and that doesn't work with the color of the dog's face. So, I've had to change several times the color of the paws and some of the values (lights and darks) to make it all work together.

I'm also dealing with the implied bone structure of the paws themselves, the implied strength of the paws and nails gripping the railing, and the subordinate relationship of the paws to the puppy's face. I haven't studied dog anatomy; so, I'm on a steep learning curve.

I've allowed myself the luxury of generous patience and enjoyment in learning all the subtleties of puppy-dog painting.

"The Perils of Plein Air Painting"

My plein air easel at Heisler Park. Buzzzzz.

"WIP Matanuska - Sessions 6 & 7"

Still working on Matanuska. Because I find painting this subject so enjoyable, this is going to be a harder than usual project to finish up.

"WIP Sycamores"

I spent the morning in my Plein Air class. It was held in Irvine Regional Park. In about three or four hours I went from sketch to an 80% painting while enjoying beautiful weather.




I expect I'll finish up with another 3-4 hours of studio time.

"WIP Matanuska - Fifth Session"

Fifth Session
I spent about 4 hours (including set-up and clean-up) adding fur to Matanuska's right ear. Each fur strand has a gradation of subtle warm and cool neutrals. Capturing that gradation in a somewhat realistic manner is not an easy task.


You can see a photo of the adult Matanuska and read her story on The Greenacre Gang blog.