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.

Visual Realia "Pigment" Exhibit Running

The "Pigment" exhibit continues at the Adams County Arts Council. The Gallery may be in use at times during the day but ask at the front desk if you can view the exhibit.

Feel free to contact me to arrange a visit during an evening or weekend. I'd be happy to meet you there and answer any questions.

Eight of the thirty works have sold, so this is the last chance to see some of these works.

"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 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.

Visual Realia Clay Monoprint Exhibit Open Now

A solo exhibit of my clay monoprint works is now open in the Adams County Arts Council (ACAC) gallery through July 2021.

Summer hours for the ACAC are typically Monday through Friday, 8:30-4:30, with varied Saturday and evening hours when events or classes are held. The Arts Council is very active with classes, so there may be times when a class uses the gallery; feel free to ask at the front desk if viewing is possible.

The official reception for the summer exhibits will be held on the evening of Friday, July 2nd, from 5:00 - 7:30 PM. I'd love to have you attend!

The Adams County Arts Council is located at 125 South Washington Street, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.

(I'll also be selling unframed monoprints at a pop-up art market outside of York's fantastic I-ron-ic coffee house on June 12th.)

Upcoming Visual Realia Events

I am pleased to note an upcoming exhibit of my clay monoprint works in the Gallery of Gettysburg's Adams County Arts Council. The show will open on June 4th and will run through June and July. (The Arts Council holds a reception for its artists on First Fridays, so plan on a great Gettysburg evening on July 2nd.)

I'll also be selling unframed monoprints at a pop-up art market outside of York's awesome I-ron-ic coffee house on June 12th.

More info on both coming soon.