6x6 in New York

Eeek! Housework and spring cleaning has kept me hostage and I haven't been able to work on very much lately. I feel really unproductive even though I've been working my butt off.
I did create a couple trace monotypes that I sent off to the 6x6 Show at the Rochester Center for Contemporary Art. Today is the final day for submissions and soon they will post images of the hundreds of 6"x6" pieces of art that have been donated by artists from all over the world. You will be able to buy online or if your lucky enough to live in the area, you can snag one at the preview showing.

 All pieces are anonymous until after being sold but I will give you a peek at mine for fun.

Working on...trace monotypes

 Here's a peek at some trace monotypes I did the other day. I haven't done the technique in so long and there really is a particular process for it. Belinda Del Pesco has some fantastic photos of the trace monotype process that she does.

 I found that I had to be careful not to roll too much ink onto the plate and I really had to make sure to keep my pencil straight up and down. With the position of the pen and the plate as it was, I found my hand getting easily tired. I think I will try doing them again but with the plate upright and on an angle while standing up.

The trace monotype allows you to use pre-prepared detailed drawings that you then "trace" onto your paper that has been laid down on an inked plate. However, I find that my best drawings are ones that I do free-hand even though I may have to re-do them a couple times. 

I'm thinking of adding color to some of these with watercolor or pencil crayon.