Thursday 8 February 2018

Pebble experiments with monoprint and mixed media


The visual research and experimentation is always a very enjoyable aspect of a new project. I relish the chance to explore ideas and play with techniques and materials without any preconceived ideas of the results. It is something that I want to do a lot more of this year.


Three pebble monoprints with mixed media experiments in three stages ©2018LisaLeQuelenec




To develop further this pebble project I began with three monoprints as shown in the top row above;

The first one on the left made by inking a plate and adding two masks and a third mask inked in a deeper tone.

The central print was made by running the same plate without any further additions of ink or masks - this is called a ghost print and just utilises any ink not removed from the plate on the first run through the press.

The third print shown on the right is the same print with no ink added but the masks were removed leaving behind an inky line made when ink caught on the edges of the paper masks.



cut outs from monoprints for collage... ©2018LisaLeQuelenec


From other monoprints I cut more pebble shapes (I also had the original masks that I had kept) these all had lovely variations in textures and tones to further add to the mix. I started placing them within the three compositions, also leaving a shape escaping the confines of the border. Balance and contrast in tones and scale were my main focus here and when the arrangement felt right I adhered them in. This is the stage in the middle row.

In the third stage, on the bottom row, I added more shapes, tone and line by drawing into the compositions. As I worked I was reminded of visits I have made to draw in the Barbara Hepworth Museum and Garden at St.Ives. I must go back again soon. It is well worth a visit if you are down that way, the garden in beautiful and a great setting to see her work in.


Seaworn I   monoprint and mixed media 17x23cm    ©2018LisaLeQuelenec




Seaworn II   monoprint and mixed media 17x23cm    ©2018LisaLeQuelenec




Seaworn III   monoprint and mixed media 17x23cm    ©2018LisaLeQuelenec



Reproduction prints of the set of three are available in the Pebble Project section on RedBubble.



3 comments:

RH Carpenter said...

Oh, these are beautiful. I especially like the lower level ones with some additions and good strong lines and depth. I even like the photo of your cutouts laid together! Beautiful work...love the title Seaworn, too :) You are making 2018 a very beautiful year in your artwork.

Judy said...

I love your pebbles experiments, they are so inspiring!

Lisa Le Quelenec said...

Thank you so much Rhonda. It's nice to have a new project to play with - I'm glad you are enjoying them so far :o)


Thank you Judy!