Continuing progress on my project for the up coming show:
'One image; Two interpretations' being held in August at the 
Ciel Gallery, South End Charlotte, NC   USA
 
www.cielcharlotte.com

The paintings are on the floor of my studio.  The best place for me since I must continually move them back an forth to the painting table.

I showed some photos of the beginning carving and planning on a previous post.

Here I show the painting and more carving.  I had fun getting photos at odd angles to show the depth of the carving.

I will post more as I continue. 

'Change Your Mind'  by Randy Leibowitz Dean

This the beginning of a new project consisting of 5 paintings, 8 painted pillows and a large painted mat.  I won't even explain I will just post my photos as the project progresses.

   

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

to be continued........

'Transcendence'

Some highlights of the process of 'Transcendence'.  Not included is the work on the linoleum cut for the print on this piece.  I will add that later.  I did not take photos of my glass cutting that will have to wait until my next piece.

I really take my time picking out the perfect plywood for each piece.  Some plywood actually has a layer of glue, a deep rich brown color that I like incorporating into the finished piece.  Also, some rougher plywood can have interesting layers that are almost haphazard in the way they come out as I carve.

In 'Transcendence' I used a high quality 3/4" birch plywood and added framing to the back for hanging. I carved, then used a linoleum cut with oil base inks to print onto the wood.  Layers of carving and painting, then carving deep to add the glass pieces. I do use different sanders to smooth out certain spots on my work.  Of course time looking at the piece from a distance helps me tremendously.  I added gloss varnish only to the areas I wanted to shine, giving it a wet look in just the right places.

I did not have the end result in mind when I began carving, allowing me to evolve with the ways the wood took to my different tools and strength...or lack of.  

 

After I dusted this off I added the linoleum cut print and painted.

There is always that time of doubt in the process, isn't there?

 Almost ready to add the glass.

'Transcendence' by Randy Leibowitz Dean

In process.  On the easel.
'Transcendence' incorporates, printing, wood carving, painting and inlaying colored glass.  

The layers of plywood become fascinating to me as I carve.  I plan on more glass inlay and more painting.  

Details:

Linocut Print on note cards

         'I think it may snow tonight!'

 

 

Cutting the linoleum.

 

 

 

 

Setting up the ink.

 

 

 

Rolling the ink.

 

 

Inking the linoleum.

Ready to print.

 

 

 

Using the Baren.

 

 

 

Production Line.

 

 

Drying the prints.

My next adventure: taking my 2 dimensional drawing, carving it into a woodblock, turning it into a woodblock print, then taking it to another level; to a relief painting.  
A fascinating process.  

                  Woodblock carved ready for proof.

The beginning of the Relief Painting.

 

Next Step: Carving Continued.

I will be taking this on my trip to PA where I will enjoy an 'artist retreat'.  I will post as the process continues.

I will now declare this painting complete.

'Go to the Mountain'
16" X 20"
Liquid Silk Paint, Acrylic on carved wood
 by Randy Leibowitz Dean

It took some time to find the best lighting and background to photograph this painting.  The black background allowed the carving to show on the edges and the sun behind the cloud was perfect lighting.

I used Liquid silk dying paints on this piece.  I loved the way the paints seep into the wood grain.  I also used white acrylic paint mixed with mat medium.  The piece is mostly covered with clear Poly-Acrylic.  I felt some parts should have a mat finish so parts are covered with mat medium.