Tuesday, April 28, 2009



Saguaro Series 7
monotype on three joined sheets of paper, 10" x 30"
Click image to enlarge





Saguaro Series 5
monotype on three joined sheets of paper, 10" x 30"
Click image to enlarge


Some sort of bug that really means business waylaid me over the weekend, so I haven't been painting since. I was searching my files for something to post and came across these monotypes from my "Saguaro Series," done in 1994 or 95, shortly after our move from Oregon to Arizona. I've never shown them anywhere. Monotypes are one of a kind prints made by painting on a sheet of plexiglass, then laying a sheet of paper over the painting and applying pressure to transfer the image.

There are some relationships between this series and my recent "Nine Stones" piece (April 21st post,) though it may not be obvious. It has to do with my ongoing interest in serial imagery, repetition of forms that takes on an almost musical kind of rhythm, and paintings on separate panels or sheets that are placed side by side.

Though difficult to see, sprinkled across these images are faint or shadowy figures from my old family photos and early drawings. Though I didn't consciously think of it when making these, I realize now that this series was a way of reconciling my early background with the completely new environment I found myself in.

Email don@dailyartwest.com if you're interested in either of these pieces.

14 comments:

Katherine said...

Don I love these prints although I can't see the images you speak of. Wonderful color. I hope you are feeling better.

Dianna Woolley said...

Don, ditto on Katherine's remarks!

Anonymous said...

If I'm looking at these images as if hearing music, then I'd have to say I prefer the top image. The deep blue strikes a somber cord and makes me think of the cello (my favorite instrument). Both pictures end on a pleasant and happy note with soft warmth.

Anonymous said...

Amazed at how you go from one subject to another in such original ways. Really like these. r.

Every Photo Tells A Story said...

Hi Don:

I really like the results of your monotype. I don't think I've ever paid attention to this form of art before.

I do see one of your family photos on the first monotype, the third sheet:) I also appreciate that you created these to "reconcile" your early background. That kind of "aha" moment is always a thrill for me. Feel better.

~Nancy

Don Gray said...

Thanks Katherine. The images are very faint. They show a little better when looking at the originals.

Don Gray said...

Thank you, Sunrise (Dianna!)

Don Gray said...

Thanks for your perceptions, Silvina.

Don Gray said...

Thanks Rahina.

Don Gray said...

Thanks Nancy for the visit and kind words.

Diana Moses Botkin said...

These are fun, Don. I confess I've always wanted to try doing some monoprints but just never have gotten around to it. You've inspired me, though!

Dean Grey said...

Hmmm, I never knew what a Monotype was until now.

I think it's so neat to see a series lined up and shown together.

They all go so well together.

-Dean

Don Gray said...

Thanks, Diana. I love making monotypes. It's intense but fun, offering up unexpected surprises--some good, some not so. But it always keeps you feeling like an explorer on the edge of discovery, which is a great creative place to be.

Don Gray said...

Thanks a lot, Dean.