Latest Posts
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.
Clay Monoprints Live!
Visual Realia is LIVE with a demonstration on May 7th, 2020.
Tools of the Clay Monoprint Technique
Art Demonstration - Live This Thursday
Have you been curious about these clay monoprints I share? Looking for something to learn about while sheltered-in-place at home?
This Thursday, May 7th, at 6:30, the Hanover Area Arts Guild and the Visual Realia Studio will be sponsoring a free online artist demonstration, live on Facebook.
At 6:30 PM Eastern Time, stop by the Guild's Facebook page. You'll notice a new post added around that time, and by clicking on that post, you'll be able to watch me show you some techniques used to create clay monoprints, a unique printing process where colored clay is used to create a one-of-a-kind print.
Clay monoprinting was invented by Pennsylvania native Mitch Lyons, who resided in southeastern Pennsylvania, so there's a state connection to the art medium.
If you want to get a peek at the process beforehand, you can read a short article on his website:
https://www.visualrealia.com/articles/2017/10/15/art-of-the-clay-monoprint
Note: You won't see the post on the Guild's Facebook page until the live stream starts around 6:30 on Thursday. See you there!
Thursday, May 7th, at 6:30 Eastern Time
Hanover Area Art Guild's Facebook Page:
https://www.facebook.com/HanoverAreaArt/
"Disruption" by Andrew T. Smith of Visual Realia, LLC
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
Clay Monoprints: Three Session Workshop Registering Now!
Each print you make influences the next, all while using clay, an art tool used for thousands of years. (And formed over vast periods!)
Interested in digging into something creative and new, but don't trust your art skills? Want to create and take home real art? Like local connections?
Clay Monoprint Workshop
Thursdays, 6-8 PM
February 6th, 13th, and 20th
Adams County Arts Council - Gettysburg, PA
$100 ($90 for Arts Council Members)
Explore this unique art medium created by Pennsylvania Mitch Lyons, where printing is accomplished with colored clay. Traditional art skills and experiences are not required!
Each print you make influences the next, all while using clay, an art tool used for thousands of years. (And formed over vast periods!)
Check out the art form at https://www.visualrealia.com/articles/2017/10/15/art-of-the-clay-monoprint
Register here:
https://adamsarts.org/index.php/portfolio-item/fun-with-clay-monoprints