Little Bird: Linoleum Block-cut Project

I have sketched the outlines of the birds on a 3x5 linoleum block...  from here... we shall see...   the third little bird gets kind of scrunched, so I may not carve him.   I will decide when i get there... 

PLAN:
Right now, in this stage, I am thinking of carving out the upper area behind the birds   As well as carving out the area beneath the birds.  For the inner areas of the birds, I might scratch in details and do a little carving 
PAPER PREP:
I am thinking of using hot-press w/c paper to print on.

before a final printing, I will stamp a light outline of the birds where I want them and use masking to keep the area white.

then, i might create with watercolor a sky like area for above the birds and foliage type area for below.  Just in colors, not actual details.

TBC... 

OK -Ready to start reducing the background area- I chose a small u shaped tool for this because there are leaves in the background.

I have also started scratching out the outline of the first bird. I want these first two birds to be nice and fat and if I have to turn the third bird into foliage, that is fine..

Dividing the two birds

Closeup

fun fun fun...

I am also doing a Bicycle Linoleum-cut you can view here: Bicycle Block Cut

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BICYCLES: Linoleum Block-cut Project

BICYCLES: Linoleum Block Cut Project

Products:

3x5 speedball linoleum block

variety of sharp lino cutting tools

pencil to sketch on design

I have used a 3x5 block and divided it in half and sketched part of a fantasy bike on each half. (use your imagination or sketch from your photo)

 This blog will demonstrate cutting images into the linoleum. 

IMAGES: 

Note, you can leave some of the background to make a pattern or you can dig it all out, it's up to you.

I am doing this quickie lino-cut project in a demonstration for my students - thought you might enjoy seeing it here too.  cj

Please view Little Bird Lino Cut

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motivational - "my art is like a FRANKENSTEIN..whaaaaat??"

my art is like a FRANKENSTEIN..whaaaaat??

I wanted to make a few comments concerning the "Frankenstein stage," as I jokingly call a newly begun artwork, and how it may lead to feelings of defeatism or maybe depression.
In class, I often say not to judge, be critical or embarrassed of an artwork that has just begun its process.

It often holds true that you should not ask for affirmation/validation on an artwork (in or out of class) in this early Frankenstein-stage of progress because its parts are barely mapped out on the substrate with little sense of detail or completeness. It is usually far too early to pass judgment or to ask for praise or affirmation from anyone other than your instructor.

ALL artists, beginning to professional have some part of this Frankenstein stage in their creative progression - However, professional artists have learned to quickly work beyond this stage or have fortified themselves to buffer against premature "constructive criticism"
More experienced artists have practice behind them and can move beyond any negativity or fear of not being able to complete their piece satisfactorily.

The POWER OF SUGGESTION can be positive or negative to an artist: Artists are often quite sensitive about what they have placed on the paper or canvas and for some reason seem to be too ready and willing to put themselves down rather than to see how their work can and will, shine!

EMBRACE YOUR INNER FRANKENSTEIN! Don't let yourself become embarrassed or discouraged in this early stage of creation! It can potentially create a situation where you start artworks and then stop not having developed the confidence to follow it through to completion. Think about how many artwork "starts" you have laying around or have thrown away or ripped up! I imagine each of us can recall one or two of these! lol

Embracing that your artwork has a humble beginning and piecing together the "monster" is an important part of the creative process. You gain valuable experience in continuing to work out the issues in your "Frankenstein" pieces rather than tossing them!

Artists need to stick together with support! Remember, even though society tends to turn EVERYTHING into some type of competition, really, you are not in competition to create artwork exactly like some other artist!!

Helpful Tip:
When you get down on your art, make simple sketches of what you know and can create easily until you feel better! Maybe do some Cyn-Doodling. Tackle new and more difficult projects when you feel better!

Cyn-Doodle Portrait by CJ Rider

The more you paint: the more you want to paint: the more you will progress your skills!

Stay positive! Embrace your Frankenstein!! lol
Happy Arting Around!!

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