Boardwalk Days part 44

 Time to finish this color test and move on.   Some began at home, putting down some color for the birds based on the print already done of seagulls, hanging on the wall of the dining room at home.  At first I tried putting them directly on the print itself, paints on my table, but it was too much holding and twisting, so I decided to just draw and color some in my sketchbook, and color the print itself in the Studio later.  Everything else would wait until I got there.

For music I decided to bring my home burned disc of the Gin Blossoms, only written about once before (in December of 2022), so I guess I don't listen to it that often.  My main reason for wanting to hear it today was that a song of theirs was running through my head since last night.  Took out all my coloring stuff once I got there, and got to work.  Finished the gulls of course, then went on to redo that patio of pavers in the foreground, and also added some colors to some other bits around the print.  This included some black watercolors to fill in some of the areas that didn't take enough ink in the printing, always a danger with such heavy paper.  A lot of detail did not print in this version, but it was good enough to test colors, which was the point of this piece.  

That first disc ended, so I followed it up with something I don't seem to have written about so far, a Breeders album called Title TK, a bit of industry jargon for title yet to come on an upcoming new release. It was sent to me by Dave, a fun-pak that had come west to east, and it sat there in the Studio for a while now.  I had heard it before, recognizing some songs. Sounded more like the band's first album more than those that came later, and make up the bulk of the Breeders disc I listen to more often.   Meanwhile, I continued adding color to my proof.  Unlike all that I had done before, none of these were based on actual colors of things depicted, but rather random colors chosen because they would look good next to what was already on the paper.  I don't know if any of these are the final versions, especially the stand-ins for colors I have yet to order, but there is nothing more I can do with this one.  I even went ahead and pinned it to my tack board, so I could get a good photo of it:

While I was there, I also checked my paper supply, since I can get more when I order more paints.  And next time I go in, it will probably be to print, whether it be a new copy of this image (I looked at the one I had there in the rack, and while it is better than this one on heavy paper I have been coloring, it's not perfect, and I know I can do better) or the better/more complete copies of the Robert Johnson prints that Tom says he now can use in a few months in New York.   I think I am good on the western paper, but I could probably use more of the Japanese paper.  And maybe a new brush or two.

Boardwalk Days part 43

 Another decent day, so a good day to go to the Studio.  Unfortunately, my parents hit me with a bunch of requests as I was getting ready, and while I had everything I needed to continue my color tests, I did forget to bring any discs with me, though I didn't realize it until I was already there.  I also forgot one thing I planned to get at my first stop (a supermarket), but that can wait until next time. 

For the music problem, I always have a solution- either take one of the few discs I have there, or borrow something from Molly.  I decided to do the latter.  What I chose were two discs I know well, as they had been part of my collection for years.  First was Elvis Costello's debut album,  My Aim Is True.  Actually what Molly has there in the Studio is an extended version, with the original 1977 album and a bonus disc with demos and such.  I wrote about this in September of 2024 if you want to know more.  Music on, I set up my watercolors and my test copy, and got to work.  I also pulled out my camera (having taken several photos of people on the beach from the internet last night) and used my references to aid my task.

I didn't put down that much color today, as there isn't that much left to do on this copy. I added more watercolor to a few places I had put some already, then put some new color in a few places around the image. I also put some more black in the areas that were borders on the block image, and printed properly on the better inked copy on good paper.  I still haven't done anything with the birds yet, so maybe next time.  What I did can be seen below:

I did spend some time looking at the piece so far.  I'm pretty sure I will change the pavers in the plaza, to something less pink.  The colors on the beach are just arbitrary right now, so they may or may not change.  And some colors will change after I buy some more- I just don't have them yet. 

While I was working on my colors, the first disc ended, and I put on a second, also one I know well, the Pixies album Doolittle, the last LP I bought in a mall record store, and some would argue the band's best album.  I tend to think such evaluations are a matter of taste, but I do feel it's a good one, and I had a copy of it in my Studio discs, now at home with me. My comments on the record can be found in October of 2019.  While that played I had a visitor, the guy who was installing the new hoses on our water heater.  This took only a few minutes and didn't disturb me. 

I will let Molly know about this, but probably not until later in the week.  When the second disc ended, I decided it was time to go on to my next task (planning two more stops before getting home for lunch).  I documented everything, locked up, and went home.  

Boardwalk Days part 42

Today was the first day this week where I didn't have something I had to do-no federal holiday, no snowstorm, no snow shoveling, no appointment for me or my father.  That meant I could get up to the Studio and do some artwork.  I am in the midst of my latest boardwalk print, and am working on a color test proof, on heavier paper in case I decide to try a new color over an old one.  Things based on real life objects I am coloring to look like the actual items. Luckily I took photos of the buildings as I was working on the original block sketches a while back, and these were posted to the blog, so I can easily pull them up on any computer that gets the internet.  However, bringing my computer there is not convenient, so I have been taking notes at home, and using the colors I have to color my test piece.  But it occurred to me that I could do this in a simpler way by merely taking digital photos of those reference photos I have, since I always bring my camera with me, and can look at anything stored there on the built in video screen.  Beats taking notes as I had been doing. 

For music I brought a loose disc, my home burned Homicide Life on the Street soundtrack, songs taken from albums I already had, and a few from other soundtracks and free samplers.  (written about back in February of 2020 if you want to know more) Not a bad set really, with tunes from Miles Davis, John Lee Hooker, Morphine, the Kinks, the Jimi Hendrix Experience, Matthew Sweet, Reverend Horton Heat, Garbage, Tom Waits, the Iguanas, Blind Faith, Mississippi Fred McDowell, and Them.  Yes, it was a pretty good show, and the music was not the best thing about it.

First thing I did upon arrival was check to see if the new water heater was installed, and it was.  Also checked to make sure the hot and cold water were now functional, and they were.  I also noticed the hoses and spray nozzles were not attached, but that affects Molly more than me.  I was able to fill my water can from the sink, and later throw my used water down the drain.

For coloring, I had my old colors still, plus my new reference photos.  I brought them up and made short work of filling in the missing parts of Convention Hall, the area that needed the most work.  Also used this information to depict the different tones of wood on the boardwalk.  The other thing that had been causing a problem was my seated figures on the plaza.  For these I had hired a model and drew the poses directly on the block, and these are quite accurate.  The problem was the area immediately adjacent to the figures, areas I had drawn and cut, but now had no idea what was there, which made it difficult to color them.  However, I found the reference photos I took of the original poses, pulled them up and put them on the screen.  Suddenly I had a view of what I had seen back in July when I first drew them.  I colored the pieces accordingly.  Results can be seen below:

I'm not sure of the new colors yet.  I will probably keep what I have for Convention Hall, and I will probably keep what I have for the other building.  I may change what I have for the people on the plaza, and I haven't even attempted to color the people of the boardwalk or beach yet, or the various birds.  So things my change before the final version.

On my way out, I stopped by the office. Jeanne was now in.  She confirmed that the hoses were in the sink for a reason- they were found unusable and more are being ordered.  She also mentioned having made contact with Molly, and was aware of her medical situation (which I knew very little about) and was not expecting her to be in for at least a few weeks, so there will be time to get more.  These don't affect me, so I can use the sink right now.  I packed my stuff and headed out on more errands before going home.

Boardwalk Days part 41

 Today was my third visit to the Studio this week, but today was also the nicest day of the week, and given the choice of doing that, or staying home, I chose to go to the Studio.  First I had to clear the snow from all the cars and walks, and go to the bank and gas up my car, but then I was on my way.  In honor of David Lynch's passing yesterday, I brought with me my home burned disc of (most of) two albums that were soundtracks to his films- Fire Walk With Me and Wild at Heart, which I wrote about in detail back in August of 2022 if you want to know more.

Up at the Studio, I continued work on coloring my test proof. This time I brought my colors with me.  I still only had my notes from the other day, and my memories of the photos I had taken long ago, so there were things I just wasn't sure of.  Also a bit confusing was the printed blocks, where in a few cases, I just didn't know what I had cut, so I didn't know what it was I was coloring.  Left those spots alone for now and I'll figure those out later.  The colors I added I think were the right ones, and took all the time given to me by the music I had with me.  Results are seen below:

So far so good.  No need to hurry on this one, so I may as well take my time and get the colors I want.  Meanwhile, I brought everything home with me, so if I get trapped here by snow in the coming days, I have something to work on.

Boardwalk Days part 40

 Time to get to work.  My plan for today was to experiment with color on my first test piece.  I call this an experiment as I know I still don't have all the color hues I need to complete the piece, but the best way to see what I need to order is to put down on paper what I have.  A very cold day today, but the heater in my Studio works.  

Being that the subject of this piece is a specific part of Asbury Park's famous boardwalk, it makes sense to listen to some early Bruce Springsteen as I do this, since his early albums are much about his adventures in the town.  In fact, the cover I have on the copy of this disc that I kept on my shelf in my apartment was made from a newspaper photo of the boardwalk in the old days, perhaps when he was making those early albums.  One of the songs even mentions Asbury Park in its title.  (more on this disc can be found back in November of 2019 if you want to know more)  Actually the town has been on my mind a bit lately, as I have read a few newspaper articles talking about how a new restaurant is coming to Asbury, over on Cookman, but in a space showed art in a few times.  My prints (boardwalk prints no less in both the Tri-City show, and a later Jersey Shore show) were hung in the large stairway, but now I wonder if the upstairs gallery will be another special dining room, or be used for offices.  

Anyway, I got there today, filled my water can from the bathroom sink, and got to work from my notes.  Unfortunately, I had left the 15 color kit at home, so I couldn't do everything I planned, but I was busy the whole time that one disc played.  Results can be seen below:

Neither way was it going to be complete today (and this proof from back in October wasn't useable anyway, just to see how certain colors work next to each other),  but it did let me know I was on the right track with what I had done so far.   I have to be careful here, making sure I get real colors right, and then making sure what I choose for the others goes with what is here.  I emptied my water can in the slop sink in the work room, and headed home, bringing the proof with me.

Alumni News

On a regular basis I get an Alumni magazine from my undergrad school.  Used to be in the form of an actual magazine, though these days it arrives as an email and attachment,  I'm sure a money saving change done for "my" benefit.  (same for various bills and statements I used to get and would prove my residence to a government agency who specifies these documents that I no longer get)  The cover of the latest magazine has art faculty member Marlene Jack on the front cover.  She taught ceramics during the whole time I was at William and Mary, and during the time I was an art major, but I never took her class, or remember meeting her.  To be fair, I don't think I took a ceramics class anywhere (though I did learn a bit about clay from Barbara Goodstein in the 3D class I had there, which I couldn't use the times I taught 3D at Kean as clay was forbidden in the room I was assigned, but I was required to use it when I taught the class at OCC, at which time the knowledge came in handy), and one thing Jack was known for was creating a new ceramics studio in another building, far away from Andrews Hall, where all the drawing/painting/printmaking classes were in those days.   

And since she died a few years ago, it seems unlikely I will ever have an occasion to meet her.  What this article was about was a new endowment in her name, well not exactly new, but starting to grow.  It's no RZ, but whatever it gives a ceramics student would be welcome. It's a medium that requires materials and equipment that are not cheap, much more expensive than my woodcut requirements.

So What's Next?

 That's a fair question.  I'm done printing cards now, so it's time to move on to something else.  The logical thing would be to finish the current boardwalk print, since I have a decent print of it, and all that's left is to color it.  I have no deadline for anything at the moment, but it seems like I should finish this.  In order to do that, I need to see what colors I have to work with, and what colors I need.  The last time I had to color a boardwalk print it was a few years ago, for the ones I had to reprint and color for sale.  I looked at the one copy I had, checked all the colors I had in various palettes already pre-made, looked at my last original in a frame, and figured out what I would need.  Bought the tubes online, buying extra to make sure I had the right colors, and got them.  It turned out I bought the right things, and between what I had and what I bought, I was able to do the job.  This time is a little different, as I don't have a print to copy from for colors, as this will be the first one.  And while I can choose colors for some of the things in my scene, it makes sense that I should match the colors of actual things from the scene, since this one is based on an actual place and I want it to look like that place.  It should look like the place as it looked when I did the original block drawing, but luckily I took a bunch of photos of the scene at the time I did the drawings of architecture, and posted them to my blog, so I can dig them up with any computer that has internet access.  

So that left me with seeing what I have.  I did order a bunch of tubes a few years ago, and I know what they are.  As became my custom, I did some test charts of those colors- putting a dab of the straight paint and a wash version on watercolor paper, along with the name of the color written by it.  I have some of these charts in my possession, so even if I don't have the tubes, I can see the exact colors and names.   However, one thing I didn't have was a set of 18 pans of color, unlabeled.  Pans are dried cakes of paint, in some kind of container with a lid, basically like the wet your brush kits you had as a kid, but better quality paint.  I have no idea what any of these colors would be called, a set I believe I got as a gift years ago.  I didn't think much of it at the time, but I have used that set in the making of my holiday cards recently, as well as the colored boardwalk prints I made a few years ago, and find they work well enough to deserve some kind of chart.  So yesterday I made one, unlabeled (since I still don't know what they are called), and circles of solid paint, in the same locations as the pans I have,  Below is a photo of the new test set, surrounded by the old ones I had.

I compared my old test sets to what was online, and realized that at least 3 of the colors I had in my kit before are not currently for sale anywhere.   Luckily I don't need any of those colors for this one, but I will check the other prints in the series to see if these missing colors are part of those prints. If they are, I will have to find something similar made by someone else.  But that's a problem for another time.  Meanwhile, I have other things to do.

Today was just a little warmer than it has been this week (upper 30's and no wind unlike the low 30's and windy we've had all week) so I decided to take a ride up to the Studio to take care of some business.  No major prints to work on, but a chance to do some reconnaissance, take the above photo, and to finish my fun-pak envelope to Dave, so I can get that out next week.  

Did the photo while I still had clean hands, then finished Dave's envelope. I printed part of another recent Robert Johnson print on the back of the cushioned mailer I printed on last week.  Once again, the bubble wraps inside made it tricky, so it's not the best print, but it will do.  

I threw it in the back of my car and let it dry there. It's as secure a place as any I have for this purpose, and it will be home when I am ready to put it all together.  By the way, for music I had brought a loose disc, the one my friend Doug sent me a few years ago, with albums from Hans Rotenberry and Brad Jones, and one from Alejandro Escovedo.  I have written about this back in June of 2022 if you want to know more.

My other purpose was to find out the status of our Studio sink.  Upon arrival I could see no puddle, and that's a good thing, but I could also see it was the old water heater, and that's bad.  I checked and the sink was still off.  I knew I could use the slop sink in the workroom down the hall, which would be fine for cleaning my hands and tools used today.  But before I left I stopped by the office.  I wasn't expecting to see Jeanne (her car wasn't in the lot) but I did ask Robin about it.  She knew nothing, which is what I expected for this topic, but she expected to talk to Jeanne later, and left herself a note to ask about this topic.  Since I don't have to ink or print anything right away, my decision to work on coloring seems the right one, and I'll hope my sink is functional before I do.  With that, I took my newly inked envelope and went home. 

Studio Business

 Had a few plans for what to do at my Studio visit today.  First was check on the leaky water heater and see how it was doing.  Second was to find and photograph a copy of a boardwalk print that I knew was up there, for possible sale to someone who expressed an interest. Third was to print an image on a recently purchased large envelope, for a Fun-Pak I planned to send to Dave soon.  That was enough for one day. 

I arrived and let myself into the Studio.  Looked about the same as it did when I was last there, with a small puddle coming from under the sink and around the concrete platform toward the drain, though this time it looked like it had reached the drain. No sign that any wetness had gotten to any other spaces in our room, though some of Molly's screens had been moved to other parts of the room.  And the plastic basin that was under the hose attachments to the water heater was fairly full.  But no sign that any new water was dripping into it.  Didn't know what any of this meant, so I just reported it all to the office.  Eventually I got the story, and a mop came down again to pick up the puddle.  They still weren't sure how the small puddle got onto the floor- could be a leak from the basin or the heater.  But I did learn for sure that all water had been shut off to our sink and was shown a slop sink in the workroom I could use for now.  I was also told that the building would be replacing the water heater, but it hadn't been ordered yet, so no date was given as to when this would happen.  

While my hands were still clean, I found the boardwalk image I expected to find.  It was actually on my table, along with the block that created it.  I had created two copies of the print around the same time, after getting an order for it from someone who saw a framed version in a show in the building and wanted to buy two copies.  I already had one unframed extra copy, so I ordered the right kind of Japanese paper, watercolors that I needed to complete the prints, and ended up making two nearly identical copies, colors copied from the framed version.  Let her choose the one she wanted, and this one is the other copy.  

With all that settled, I could get to work.  I put on a home burned disc, the self titled debut album from David Poe, and started rolling out some ink.  I have briefly mentioned the Poe album before, but not in detail.  I can tell you he is a singer-songwriter type, and this album is all acoustic, and I have heard an updated version of one of songs on the radio, but have no idea where it came from.   I also know it is good to make art to, which is why I have it now.  

Dave and I have been sending each other Fun-Paks for decades now.  It has origins back in Williamsburg, where a local convenience store (the Tiny Giant) had a rotating rack full of Fun-Paks, which were small inexpensive plastic bags with a cardboard header, and full of really cheap prizes, often with a theme.   Over time it evolved into anything we could find for free that the other might enjoy, whether it be for a few minutes or a lifetime.  Dave often packed them in old used envelopes, and he covered old addresses and stamps with stickers, comics, etc.  I collected a bunch of stuff over the past few months, including a give-away CD, to send him, and last week bought some padded envelopes.  I will decorate the envelope with some original artwork (allowed in our rules, and in this case a recent woodcut), though the bubble wrap inside the envelope makes printing difficult.  I was able to do what is seen below, and left it in my drying rack for now.  Can't print anything on the back side of the envelope right now, so I'll have to figure it out later.  I cleaned my hands and tools in the other sink I was shown. 

All that only took one disc, so after giving the office an update, I headed home.  On the way though, I stopped off at my speech therapy office, to give them one of my extra holiday cards and to update my information for 2025.  No one was there when I got there, but eventually Carol came back, so she got to be the one who opened the card, and she revealed that Nicol would not be in the rest of the week, so everything I was going to give her will have to wait until my next visit.  

Art Continues in 2025

 And why not?  As of now I don't have a real good reason not to make art.  I have no new diseases this year (at least not so far), so just the doctor appointments I already have, and those are fewer this year than last.  There is a slight leak of the water heater in my space, but that doesn't really affect me, and the building says they will take care of that soon, and maybe they will.  

I currently have work up on the walls in the building that holds my Studio, probably through at least some of February, so that's available to the public. As of now I am aware of one other show, but have few details, an exhibition involving at least some of my Robert Johnson prints, now in Brooklyn during the spring, but I don't know anything beyond that.  I am not the organizer, so I only know what I am told.  

As for future work, I do have a new boardwalk piece in progress, and I have a good proof on the right paper.  However, I think first I will test some colors on a practice proof, and if I like the way they turn out, try coloring that good proof. If that works out, pull another good proof and see what happens with that.  If it all works out, it will be exhibited somewhere in 2025.  And though the Nashville show is now off, I do have ideas for a few more Robert Johnson prints.  If I like how the ideas develop, I may do one or two or maybe even three more prints in that series.  This project has roots going back more than 30 years, so I can't say it's done yet.  If nothing else, I will probably print some newer and more complete copies of the Johnson prints I have for the 

Beyond all this I have no plans yet, but one thing I have learned is that in art, things come and go rapidly.  Two of the shows I had in 2024 I knew nothing about when the year began, so it's possible I will have exhibitions in 2025 I don't know about yet.  I will have to wait and see, and when I know something, I will post it here.