Printmaking: linoprint

I'm working on a series of linoprints for Perth and Kinross Creates, a group exhibition at Perth Museum and Art Gallery in October 2016. 
Artists were asked to submit proposals for work they wanted to show, preferably work based on the museum's collections. I decided to take a look at a series of photographs featuring Lost buildings of Perth, pictures of long demolished houses, taken between the 1880s and 1930s.
Apart from liking the traditional architecture of these buildings I am interested in how it would be possible to translate the often desolate mood in these images into linoprints with a similar feel.
To prepare I went to study the framed photographs at the museum, took my own pictures and made detailed sketches. Here is a page from my sketchbook:

The first finished linoprint shows the General Post Office at the corner of Tay Street/High Street in Perth, after a photograph from before 1891. 

Post Office on Tay Street. Linoprint, 2016.  30 x 21 cm

I've used clouds, shadows and a distorted perspective to add something morbid to this image of a classical public building.

Studio materials

These are all the erasers I could find in my studio. Some of them are really ancient. Usually I just use the ones nearest to hand, and quite often I notice that they don't do their job well. 

Jackson's Art Materials have just published a blog post that explains everything about erasers, the different kinds and what materials they work best on. Take a look here.

Printmaking workshop

Are you interested in learning how to create linoprints? 

I'm holding the next workshop in my studio in Kettins / Coupar Angus

Tuesday, June 28, 11am - 3pm. 

You'll learn how to prepare the linoplate, develop a design in black and white, carve the image and print it. Cost: £35, including materials and refreshments, plus a comprehensive hand-out containing step-by-step instructions, tips and tricks and a list of suppliers.

To book a place please contact me before June 26 on cwdesign2@btinternet.com.

Exhibition

In May I showed samples of my upcycled handpainted furniture at "Meet the Maker 2", a craft showcase at Cargill's Bistro in Blairgowrie, Perthshire. Busy afternoon - my stall was beside a craft mead producer...
The showcase was part of a fundraiser for guide dogs; you can read the full story here.

My corner at Cargill's

The group of makers and host Lesley (front left)

Event

Meet The Maker 2
 

Cargill’s Bistro, Blairgowrie
Sunday 22nd May, 3 - 5pm

Come along and meet some of Blairgowrie's talented local craftspeople:
 

Sarah Cave, Silversmith
Christine Findlay, Author
Michelle Hewitt, Artist
Tracie Dick, Crocheter
Chris, The Rookery Craft Mead
Cornelia Weinmann, Printmaker & Upcycler

Find out a little more of their craft, how they design and make their creations
and watch as they demonstrate on the day. They will also have a small selection of their work on sale and be able to take bookings for commissions.
You never know - you may just find that perfect gift or something for yourself!
 

Cream Teas will be available.
 

Why not enjoy a meal before or after? Call 01250 876735

 
There is a small entry fee of £2.50 which goes directly
to the Discover Blairgowrie Name A Puppy Appeal
 

Lower Mill Street, Riverside, Blairgowrie, PH10 6AQ
Call 01250 876735
www.cargillsbistro.com

Upcycling furniture

This piece of furniture came from a garage sale in North Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. It had been hand built by a father to hold his children's clothes. And of course, it was painted white.
I changed the background colour and had nice contemporary handles made to match my painted design. The chest didn't have any feet; I added castors instead. The name Rote Kommode refers to the vibrant red I chose.

Wood, acrylic paint, acrylic varnish, steel. 1998
66x48x97cm

Upcycling furniture

The photos show the old kitchen chair from the previous post in the process of being made appealing again. I had re-glued and sanded it in my studio because there wouldn't be enough time for this kind of prep work on site in Pitlochry.

Fruit chair on the painting stand under a marquee

After applying two coats of DIY chalk paint in fresh spring green I stamped on berries and leaves to match the fabric of the old seat cover. Later the wooden parts will be varnished for extra protection.

Finished chair, already raffled off