I started fiddling around with a new (for me at least) illustration method a few months ago, and two pieces that use this method are going to be shown as part of a larger show at the Green Door gallery in May.

The method is just me taking a sketch, coloring it in Photoshop, dropping the sketch to where it just barely shows up, printing it large format (~ 11x17) on uncoated watercolor paper, and then inking by hand over it. I'm essentially using the printer as an ultra-accurate watercolor/gouache brush.

I like it because the wicking effect of the uncoated watercolor paper on the ink gives a subtle effect that I cant duplicate in Photoshop by, say, a slight blur filter and a overlay of watercolor texture. Also, I get "originals" now. It's nice to have art to hold again. But as a side effect of the process, these are "originals" that I can make more of easily. I thought that initially they would be considered prints, but Dawn says they would be considered Mixed Media pieces. I'm not sure what I'm going to price them at, I guess about 1/2 way between a print and an original. Probably $75. (Gallery price will be higher to reflect their commission.) I'll get a pic up of the other one when I finish it up. If anyone's interested in one of these, drop me a line. stevensanders at gmail dot com.