Andrea Lauren: Reductive SilkScreen Print: Rhino

The third in this series of six reduction screen prints.  This first photo shows the very last color before printing.  It is basically just an outline at this stage and everything in the screen has been filled in with the stop-out medium.   You can see the first four colors in the second photo and the ink really builds up on the paper.

Andrea Lauren: Five Color Reductive Lino Print: Animals in the Rain

Animals in the Rain.  This illustration has been around for a long time in many different styles.  For this one, I wanted to try out a reduction linocut with more than two colors to experiment with how well I could register prints and how good the colors would look overlaying.  I ended up running each print through the press five times and was fairly pleased with the process and outcome!  I don't know how many of these five color complicated prints I will do but at least I know it is an option for the future.

 

Andrea Lauren Process 4/12

April has been a busy and exciting month.

1.  Finalizing sketches for some new exciting products. 

2.  Collection of B&W patterns.  Exploring some non-animal themes.

3.  Circle stamps that I've turned into patterns.

 

Rocky Raccoon - Original Linocut Print by Andrea Lauren

Printing my Rocky Raccoon one-color linocut.  The process involves: 1. Transferring the image to the block with carbon paper - always have to double check that the image is reversed.  2.  Carve the block in front of something good on Netflix (lately I've been enjoying Inspector Frost and Doc Martin).  3.  Inspection from the cat.  4.  Print the block - this is a multi-day process of making sure the block is flat, the paper is cut, the ink is ready, and the print rack is free.  5.  Enjoy the hard work.  

Portfolio here / Shop here

Andrea Lauren Printmaking - Musicians of Bremen

I'm continuing my music themed linocuts and settled on the Musicians of Bremen.  Although the animals in the Grimm tale don't actually play beautiful music, I chose to illustrate this quartet playing recorder, cello, lute, and drum.

Prints are available in my shop. 

Into my sketchbook part one.

I am looking forward to starting a new series featuring some glimpses into my sketchbook and works in progress.  In an attempt to be more organized and attached to my creative process, this record keeping of sorts, in one place, is something I haven't always maintained during projects or random inspirations.  I have been busy developing and refining a new set of fabric patterns of which these are a few of the close to finalized sketches.   I've been particularly inspired by some of these photographs of the beautiful northern landscapes.

'The Foresters' - Music and Animal Illustration by Andrea Lauren

Here's a new piece I've been putting together: 'The Foresters.'  I am liking the color gradient from dark to light and these bears are particularly jolly.

I am also a huge sucker for Piazzolla's music. Check out this great ensemble piece.

Work in progress

Works in Progress on my Desk.

Smoky Mountain Gypsy Jazz - Illustration by Andrea Lauren

I've got another piece to share!  This one combines two of my favorite themes: musicians and nature.  I recently saw a gorgeous photo of the Smoky Mountains at sunset and had to take inspiration from the rolling hills for this animal duo.  I can imagine them playing some Gypsy Jazz in the evening.

I have always been a fan of the Gypsy Jazz style and am amazed by this Marc O'Connor performance in a trio with guitarist Frank Vignola.

Narwhal's Banjo Aquarelle - Illustration by Andrea Lauren

 I wanted to continue with the sea theme a bit more after finishing the frogs painting and a narwhal and banjo piece came together this time.  This is one of my new favorites!  I have a couple more to finish up in the series so check back soon for more.