Earlier in the year I created some of my favorite recent batik artwork, using verses from the Psalms as my inspiration. I had been working my way through the Psalms and writing scripture that spoke to me in my journal along the way, making the selection process easy!
Each piece began by writing the verse in some sort of circular form on Unryu paper that had pieces of gold thread imbedded in it. As always I used my trusty Sharpie for that, knowing it can withstand the rest of the batik process without fading.
Beginning of “Psalm 32:7”
I took a wide brush and dipped it into melted wax and blocked off streaks of the pieces so they would remain white and then added light strokes of color with a feathery brush and India inks. Next all the pieces were entirely covered with the wax, crumpled to create cracks for more color to seep in randomly and then sprayed with liquid watercolors.
Covered with wax, crumpled and ready for liquid watercolors
After that application the pieces dried and then the wax was removed to reveal the final outcome of each. All four have been framed in 12×12″ barn wood frames. Here they are:
So, many people have expressed an interest in learning more about how I do Batik painting on paper. Well, your chance to learn that is coming SOON! Here are all the details, I hope you can join in the fun:
Registration deadline is Tuesday, August 20th at noon!
As I mentioned in my last post, today’s blog features some new batik artwork. It seems as if I haven’t exhausted all the ways I can play and explore with this medium…as I learn new styles and techniques in other media they often translate into some fun batik pieces!
Batik on Unryu paper, approximately 8×8″ currently untitled
The piece above (and the three below) I used the wax to “paint” abstract marks and shapes onto the paper before adding the background colors. The final coloring on these pieces seeps in between the cracks in a final layer of wax. I like the earthy way these feel. Incorporating the spirit-led, random mark making with the wax painting brings in some of the new style I’ve been using with acrylic paints.
“Mantras” 1,2 & 3 each 6×12″ mixed media Batik on Unryu paper
Another new type of batik I’ve been exploring is using India Ink to paint onto the paper prior to waxing and adding the final layer of color. Very free strokes, flow-oriented and fun!
Spontaneous Song 11×14, matted and framed to 16×20″
Obviously I was having a LOT of fun with the piece above! Testing how the inks interacted with the paper, how the brush moved and the colors could blend. The ones below were a little more thoughtful as far as the colors selected, but still full of freedom and expression.
(L to R) Catalyst, Unguarded, Limitless each 11×14″, matted and framed to 16×20″
I did one other very special set of batik art but I can’t reveal them just yet…I need to deliver them first! Look for them soon.
March brings a feature of eleven select Indiana Artisan works at Art on Main Gallery & Gifts in Carmel, Indiana. They have filled their walls and shelves with an assortment of amazing work. I’m proud to have my batik artwork included.
Art on Main is featuring an exhibit/ sale by Indiana Artisans. Indiana Artisan is the state’s official organization that recognizes the work of Indiana’s highest-quality art and food artisans. Art on Main will be presenting art and food items from 12 Indiana Artisans. Julie Bolejack- Chocolate for the Spirit Pam Hurst Designs- jewelry Amy Greely Studio- Jewelry Lynne Medkser – batik Art Marie Reamer- photography Otis Harville- photography Marl Lisota- jewelry Nancy Keating-mosaics Peter Falk- woodworking Kathy Blankenheim- painting Sylvia Gray- wearbale art Monte Young- stoneware pottery
I delivered several new (and one classic) pieces of artwork for this feature, including these three pieces below that are fresh out of the studio! If you’re looking for a great night out the gallery is going to have a special hours this Saturday, March 9th from 5-9 pm during the “Meet Me on Main” monthly gallery walk. Be sure to visit!
Limitless
Spontaneous Song
Catalyst
The feature at Art on Main opened today, March 5th and will continue through the end of the month – which leads up to the annual Artisan Marketplace on Sat, April 6 from 10am – 6pm and Sun, April 7 from 10am – 5pm in the Expo Hall Building at the Indiana State Fairgrounds.
Only once a year, the state’s highest-quality Artisans come together — at the Indiana Artisan Marketplace. Talk with artisans at the top of their craft, recognized by the state for their exceptional art and food. Taste their wines and foods, see what makes them the best, and take advantage of the opportunity to take home some of their outstanding work made in studios, workshops and kitchens here in the Hoosier State.
I won’t have a booth at the Marketplace this year but will have artwork featured in the “All IN” exhibit which runs parallel to the Marketplace and features a display of products and art from Artisans who want to participate. As you enter the Marketplace you’ll be able to enjoy “All IN” as you make your way to visit the Artisan booths. I’m also on the “All IN” committee this year so you might well see me there when you visit the Marketplace.
I have several other new batik pieces finished and in process right now, I’ll share them in my next post! Till then….
Last year, as I was preparing for a show of my mixed media batik art, I was also spending lots of time with my grandkids. Trying to mix the two I did many of the drawing layers of the art while they were busy coloring and drawing at the kitchen table with me. As often happens I got requests – “Gramsy, can you draw a fish? Gramsy, what about a bird? Maybe some flowers?” as those drawings began to unfold I unintentionally created a trove of tiny art pieces inspired by the requests! The original pieces were all small – mounted on 4×4″ wood panels when completed. Some just seemed to need a bit more space so 6×6, 6×12 and 8×8″ pieces were added to the mixture over the months.
Above: Batik art on paper in progress – drawing/coloring stage
Below: Finished 4×4″ pieces
Display of multiple 4×4″ pieces
As I continued to create these whimsical pieces I also began adding text and quotes to them. The ones shown below are all 6×6″ pieces on wood panels.
These creations fell right into my art motto of “Happy Art for Happy People”! Many of the pieces that feature flowers, nature, gardens, etc. are now available at Queen Anne’s Farmhouse & Flower Shoppe located in Greenwood, Indiana. You can also find a few of my handmade journals there too! Hmmmm….journals. I’m not sure I’ve blogged about those yet. Perhaps next post?
On schedule for the month of April? Batik Art on Paper, presented at three locations so you can choose which one works best for you! To reserve your seat in one (or more) of these classes please go to THIS PAGE of my website. With locations in Carmel, Martinsville and Nashville Indiana you’ve got a nice selection to choose from.
Please note this workshop is limited to a maximum of 6 people so you’ll want to reserve your place early!
I’ve been working with the batik process on paper for a few years now but continue to find new ways to use and present it! A few weeks ago I created several smaller pieces of artwork that were mounted on wood panels. Prior to mounting them I covered the wood panel with dictionary pages…one of my favorite backgrounds.
After the pieces were completely dried I added one more layer, resin! Wow! Do these colors pop and shine now! I’m continuing to experiment with resin, it’s a learning process for sure but it’s been a fun challenge. To see a video of the finished pieces in all their shiny glory, follow THIS LINK to my Facebook page.
I’ll be teaching the batik on paper technique at three different locations in the month of April…details will be published on February 27th. Hopefully you’ll be able to join me for one (or more) of the classes!
A Randomly Creative Blog 