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| Spiral inspiration from paper trimmings ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
Inspiration really is everywhere! Aren't these spirals just perfect. Trimmings from paintings I was getting ready to mount. I feel a new pattern coming on....
They remind me of Karl Blossfeldt photographs.
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| Broken But Still Beautiful V |
A little bit of a change this month - after starting out in pencil I thought this one was a dramatic enough shape to explore in ink with more extreme tonal contrasts. I quite like the stronger background.
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| Stages of Broken But Still Beautiful V A4-ish acrylic ink ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
This month's model was acquired in Longniddry, Scotland. I was astonished at the size of the shells I found there. The majority of the whelks (and scallops) that I found there were at least twice/three times the size of the largest ones that I find along the South Coast (size comparison in the photo below). I collected a few beautifully broken ones and one with the most stunning 'pashmina' of barnacles. I will save this one for later in the year, maybe an extra large version when I can work outside...
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| Whelks ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
I was itching to play with my usual inky blues so indulged myself for a day with some monoprinting...
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| Submerge monoprint and mixed media 9.5x15cm ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
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| Details from a lino stamp used in pebble monoprints ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
I enjoyed experimenting with layers of thick and thin ink and how they interacted. I used lots of ink extender for very thin and transparent layers (it works much like glaze medium in oil and acrylic painting). Once the prints were dry some pebbles were collaged in and extra white ink drawn in to enhance the light/current/flow. I wanted the feeling of being pulled gently under water.
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| Descend I -IV monoprint and mixed media 9.5x15cm ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
The same prints just playing with layouts - seeing how they speak to each other/if they speak to each other.
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| Descend I - IV monoprint and mixed media 9.5x15cm ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
Sometimes erosion seems to happen quickly and violently as in a storm but sometimes it is the persistent, gradual and slow process of wearing surfaces over many years that leads up to the big event. I think this is true of painting/printing too. Some days you feel like you have made leaps in your work but it is all the days where tiny little steps have been made that are important to get to your goal. Slow and persistent - the message that I take from the sea.
The two prints at the top in the above photograph are available in my Etsy store and the lower two are available in my Folksy store.
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| Untitled Mixed media collage on A4ish watercolour paper ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
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| Sand and water ripples ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
So much inspiration in this photograph...the colours and textures especially. I'm not sure what people think when they see me taking pictures of soggy sand but I am quite happy in my world 😊 This photograph could be the route of a lifetimes work there is so much that appeals to me.
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| Untitled Mixed media collage on A4ish watercolour paper ©2024LisaLeQuelenec |
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| Untitled Mixed media collage on A5ish watercolour paper ©2024LisaLeQuelenec I have always been drawn to green stones, probably because they are rare here, and have some lovely green serpentine from Cornwall. The very pale textured pebble in the photo I am at a loss as to what it is but would love to know. The mintyness is lovely. A selection of minty green pieces are available in my Folksy Store.
Hag stones made by piddocks are a bit more unusual here too, I normally find them made by tidal erosion. The perfect circles put me in mind of Barbera Hepworth's sculptures and one of my favourite quotes from her: 'Many people select a stone or pebble to carry for the day, the weight and form and texture felt in our hands relates to the past and gives us a sense of universal force. The beautifully shaped stone washed up by the sea is a symbol of continuity a silent image of our desire for survival, peace and serenity.' - Barbara Hepworth |
