Anatomy of a Clay Monoprint
“Machinations” with Notations — Clay Monoprint by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia
For those new to the medium, the artist creates a design using colored clay (slip) on a clay slab, known as the matrix. Material is then placed on some or all of the slab, and the print is transferred to the material.
After the print is made, some of the clay design remains on the matrix. An interesting aspect of the medium is that the next print is designed over top of the previous rather than starting over. This results in a bit of randomness as portions of previous designs appear along with the new design.
For the Machinations print, I used all of the slab/matrix for the print — the first time in a while, so elements of different, smaller prints are combined. In fact, most of the elements in this print are remnants of previous designs. I did, however, add the 3x4 set of blocks in the first noted area and the dark teal line in the center at area 3.
Area 1 - You'll see three rows of three squares, using red, yellow, and orange. Above this set is another row of three dark teak clay.
In the image, you'll see a black rectangle "above" the blocks. This shape was actually from a previous print, with the new small squares placed on top. When the new print was made (pulled), the clay from the squares transferred, but so did the black rectangle underneath, reversing the order on the pulled print. (There's that randomness!)
Area 2 - If you look closely, you'll see a line of a few black dots. Not only wasn't this in the new design, but it was from several prints ago and hasn't appeared in a print since November! Sometimes these "memories" from previous designs create happy accidents. (Your clay slab is a diary of your work.)
Area 3 - The dark teal line was added last, and I almost made the print without it. A last-minute look at the matrix led me to feel the object was necessary. Interestingly, Caetlyn mentioned in the previous look at this print that she thought this line was necessary. I'm glad I added it!
Area 4 - Persistence. I've been doing geometric art lately and wanted to minimize this unusual black shape, so I painted a layer of plain off-white clay over it. It did soften it a bit, but it still raised its voice!
The clay monoprint artist never has complete control; sometimes, the clay speaks for itself.
“Machinations” — Clay Monoprint on Pellon by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia
Monoprints on Display in Hanover
Clay monoprints are on exhibit in Hanover, PA, through the month of February.
Monoprints by Andrew Smith (Visual Realia) on Display in Hanover, Pennsylvania through February, 2021
Monoprints by Andrew Smith of Visual Realia will be on display in the Hanover Area Arts Guild through the month of February, 2021.
Visitors may see the works during the Guild's regular hours:
Tuesday through Friday: Noon — 5:00 PM
Saturday: 10:00 AM — 3:00 PM
The Guild is located at 32 Carlisle Street, Hanover, PA 17331.
Instagram for the Artist
Instagram has several unique aspects that make its use very helpful in sharing our art. I presented an informal look at Instagram for the Hanover Area Arts Guild.
While this won’t cover the discussion, the handout may prove useful for artists new to the platform.
Download the handout by clicking here.
Questions about using Instagram as an artist? Feel free to email.
New to Instagram? Click on the link above for a four page packet.
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.
Clay Monoprint Technique Demo Video
Here’s a half-hour look at some of the most common techniques used in designing a clay monoprint.
The Facebook live event was cosponsored by Visual Realia and the Hanover Area Arts Guild, located in Hanover, Pennsylvania.
Note: Hovering over the video should bring up several icons for better control, including one to view the video in a larger full-screen view.