Clay Slip for the Clay Monoprint Artist
The clay monoprint artist must make their own clay slips for their works.
While most painters at this point in time purchase their paints, clay monoprint artists must make their own clay slips, with as many varieties needed as the colors they choose to use in their works.
An immersion or “stick” blender is a worthwhile tool for creating the clay monoprint slips.
#6 tile Kaolin (or China) clay is mixed with water to make the clay slips, roughly to a consistency a little thicker than household paint. (The use of a marshmallow fluff container is optional!)
The artist then mixes in a pigment for each color they wish to use. In the Visual Realia studio, liquid universal pigments are my most common choice, but other materials such as iron oxides are another choice. The amount of pigment added will influence the boldness of the slip.
Want to learn more about clay monoprints? Check out these links:
https://www.visualrealia.com/articles/2017/10/15/art-of-the-clay-monoprint
https://www.visualrealia.com/articles/2019/12/21/evolution-of-a-clay-monoprint-matrix
https://www.visualrealia.com/articles/2021/3/7/from-one-monoprint-to-the-next
And a video here:
https://www.visualrealia.com/articles/2020/5/8/clay-monoprint-technique-demo-video
Interested in learning in person? Contact me for some options.
Universal pigments are a great choice for clay monoprint artists, and come in a wide range of colors.
"Under the Ridge" Up for Auction
“Under the Ridge” by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia
In 2018, Hanover Against Hunger packed close to 120,000 meals to be distributed worldwide where needed. This amazing local group raises funds for the project locally, including a silent auction of fourteen artworks.
My entry is "Under the Ridge," a 24" x 20" look down toward the town of Gettysburg from Seminary Ridge. (The building shown is part of the United Lutheran Seminary.)
To bid on the work or see the others available via auction, visit:
https://hanoverareaarts.com/auction-gallery/
You may also view the works in person at the Hanover Area Arts Guild, located at 32 Carlisle Street, Hanover.
To learn more about Hanover Against Hunger, visit their website at:
https://hanoveragainsthunger.org
It's a wonderful organization with an impressive reach. Volunteer or place a bid!
"Pigment" Reception July 2nd
A reception for the “Pigment” exhibition will be held on July 2nd, 2021.
A reception for the summer exhibits at the Adams County Arts Council, including the 30 clay monoprints in my “Pigment” exhibit, is being held on Friday, July 2nd, 2021. Hours for the reception are 5:00 - 7:30 PM.
The clay monoprint medium was developed by Pennsylvania artist Mitch Lyons, who combined techniques of both pottery and printmaking to create one-of-a-kind prints utilizing clay slip rather than paints or ink. The clay board (matrix) used to design the prints will be on display during the reception. Questions for the artist are encouraged.
The Adams County Arts Council is located at 125 South Washington Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. There is no charge to attend the exhibit or reception.
Shape, Color, and Line
"Shape, Color, and Line," a clay monoprint by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia.
“Shape, Color, and Line” by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia.
"Shape, Color, and Line"
Clay Monoprint, Oil Paint, and Clay Slip
18" x 20"
I am interested in Kandinsky's 1928 work, "On the Points," viewable at:
https://www.wikiart.org/en/wassily-kandinsky/on-the-points-1928
His work, now found in Paris, focuses on shape, color, and line, all consistently important to the artist. My work here explores some of the same elements, obviously modified for the different mediums.
The primary two clay slips utilized in the work shown here were colored by Venetian Red and Pthalo Blue pigments. (Those colors are impacted here by the color of the clay itself, as well as the ratio of the pigment to the clay. This photograph was also taken before the print has completed dried, during which the colors will change somewhat.)
Phthalocyanine Blue is a crystalline, synthetic pigment first created in the late 1920s, and sold commercial beginning in the mid-thirties under the trade name, Monastral. At the turn of the century, it was the most produced pigment.
It would be reasonable to think of rust when viewing Venetian Red. The pigment was initially made from almost pure iron oxide, specifically matching the iron oxides shades found in Venice. However, today's pigments will often use synthetic red iron oxide.
The pigment was quite popular in Italian Rennaissance paintings, and English armies utilized Venetian red dyes for their uniforms through much of the 1800s, giving us the term Redcoats. The pigment is quite durable, with 16,000-year-old similarly-colored cave paintings in France still vibrant. Fortunately, iron is the fourth most common element in the Earth's crust, so we have an excellent source for red pigments readily available. Or is that red-ily?
Visual Realia at Gettysburg's Garryowen Irish Pub
Find sixteen Visual Realia works in Gettysburg’s favorite spot, the Garryowen Irish Pub!
Gosford Room in Gettysburg’s Garryowen Irish Pub, with works by Visual Realia’s Andrew Smith.
Gettysburg's Garryowen Irish Pub is a local favorite for good reason. With outstanding food, some of the best of Ireland's drafts, and over one hundred Irish whiskeys, your time there will only be matched by the location and visual experience itself.
Using the extra time of the recent uncertain COVID-19 business environment, the Garryowen has undergone some impressive interior work, with a beautiful look, shown here, in the Gosford room.
Make a point of stopping by soon, where you'll find sixteen Visual Realia Studio works (clay monoprints and photographs) in the dining room.
It's Complicated (Clay Monoprint)
“It’s Complicated” - Clay Monoprint by Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia
"It's Complicated"
Clay Monoprint
16x24
Available for purchase framed.
This is a fun monoprint, and suitable for February; a large heart is in the upper right and several small ones dancing in the bottom left.
The title plays off of the "it's complicated" status you'll see on social media, as well as all of the intricacies in the print.
If interested in purchasing this one-of-a-kind print, contact Andy at:
ostman4200@comcast.net