Category: Free Inquiry

This week, I experimented with pastels! I have some experience with them and have previously painted various fruits and vegetables. Wanting to expand my collection, I decided to draw a pomegranate. Below are two of my past works.

What is pastel painting?

Pastel painting is a technique that uses soft, pigment-rich sticks to create vibrant, textured artwork. Pastels blend easily, allowing for rich color layering and smooth transitions. Artists can use them for both bold, expressive strokes and delicate shading. Unlike traditional paint, pastels don’t require drying time, making them a versatile and immediate medium for artistic expression.

Materials Used

• Oil pastels 
• Canvas 
• Paint Pens

Process

To create my pastel painting of a pomegranate, I started by looking for inspiration on Pinterest, gathering references to guide my composition and color choices. Once I had a clear vision, I lightly sketched the outline with a pencil to map out the basic shapes.

I began the painting process by layering the darkest colors first, establishing the shadows and depth. Gradually, I added lighter colors, blending them with my fingers to create smooth transitions. I continued building up layers, refining the details and adjusting the tones until I was happy with the overall look.

Once the pomegranate felt complete, I moved on to the background, carefully adding color to complement the subject. To finish the piece, I used paint pens to highlight key areas and add small stars in the background, giving the painting an extra touch of detail and vibrancy.

This week, I experimented with linocut printmaking! I have some prior experience with this technique from an undergraduate class, where I created a simple design. This time, I wanted to challenge myself by creating a more intricate and cohesive piece. Inspired by my love of frogs, I set out to bring my design to life through linocut printing.

What is Linocut Printmaking?

Linocut is a form of block printing where a design is carved into a linoleum block. Ink is then applied to the surface, and the block is pressed onto paper to create a print. The carved areas remain ink-free, allowing the design to stand out.

Materials Used (All purchased at MONKS):

• Speedball Speedy-Cut Block (4″ x 6″)
• Speedball Lino Cutter
• Speedball Water-Soluble Block Printing Ink
• Tracing Paper
• Newsprint Paper

Process:

1. Finding Inspiration – I gathered reference images from Pinterest to help develop my design.
2. Sketching the Design – I drew my image on tracing paper, making it easier to transfer and visualize the areas to carve.
3. Transferring the Image – Placing the tracing paper over the linoleum block, I pressed firmly with my palm to transfer the drawing (keeping in mind that the image will be reversed in the final print).
4. Carving the Block – Using a lino cutter, I carefully carved where the pencil lines were, ensuring the design stood out.
5. Inking the Block – I rolled a thin layer of black ink onto a glass plate and evenly coated the roller, avoiding excess ink buildup.
6. Printing the Design – I rolled the ink over the carved block, then pressed the block firmly onto a sheet of paper. Using my hands, I applied pressure before carefully peeling the block away to reveal the final print!

I loved experimenting with this process again and am excited to continue refining my technique. Each print has its own unique texture and character, making linocut a rewarding and dynamic art form!

Inquiry Question: How can dedicating time to weekly art practices and exploring various artists, techniques, and materials help me reconnect with my creativity, discover new ways of making art, and develop a sustainable and fulfilling art practice?

For my Inquiry project, I want to explore different approaches to creating art. Art has always been a passion of mine, but with the busyness of school, I often find myself neglecting my art practice. This project will give me the opportunity to intentionally set aside time each week to engage with art and reconnect with my creativity.

As part of this exploration, I will research and draw inspiration from various artists and art tutorials. Each week, I will document my journey by sharing photos of the art projects I’m working on or have completed. I’ll also include details about the resources that inspired me, the materials I used, and the techniques I experimented with.

Through this process, my goal is to develop my skills, discover new ways of making art, and build a consistent art practice that is both fulfilling and sustainable.

Below I have provided some of my previous art projects.

Teacups – Inspired by the textures and patterns found in nature, I crafted these teacups using a pottery wheel. I glazed them with a rich green and brown glaze, evoking earthy tones reminiscent of natural elements.

In Bloom – One of my first experiments with monoprinting, this piece was created using a gel pad. I layered paint and pressed flowers onto the surface, capturing their delicate details and natural textures in an organic, ethereal composition.

Painted Lady – Using paint pens, I created this surreal painting, layering intricate details and bold colors to bring the composition to life.

Into the Forest – This mixed-media piece combines traditional acrylic painting with paint pens to add depth and texture. To enhance the composition, I painted animals and insects on cut-out pieces of construction paper and layered them onto the canvas, creating a dynamic, three-dimensional effect.

Caught in Space – For the background of this collage, I used a paint pour technique to create a fluid, cosmic effect. I then layered magazine cutouts to construct a dynamic space-themed composition.

Garlic – This still life was created using pastels, capturing the organic form and subtle color variations of garlic with soft, blended textures.