Yosemite Landscape Print
30.5 x 22.9 cm Linoleum Cut Block Print September 2021 The process of this work was intended to produce more skills under my artistic abilities. This project was also focused on reinforcing my attention to details and my ability to produce details in a new way. I was able to reinforce and focus on my line and texture details while carving into a block with precise movements. I looked to different artists and their styles to inspire a theme for my prints. Specifically Ansel Adams's landscape photography of nation parks and Ranger of Lost Art's national park print posters caught my eye. With these two artists as inspiration, the final piece reflects conservation. This theme was demonstrated on the final prints from using oil based ink on the original linoleum block that was formed from a range of carving tools and techniques. |
INSPIRATION
Ansel Adams was photographer with a passion of the environment. Because of this, many of his photography collections focus around nature and conservation. He would capture breath taking photographs of landscapes that were in need of protection. This included national parks that he would visit. He enjoyed capturing special places that he would often his use wilderness survival skills that he learned in his young life to reach specific areas. His artwork contributed to the conservation movement that, before his time, only included painting or pastel works. Adams was able to bring a level of realism to people all over with his photography, demonstrating the beauty and importance of nature. He was able to gain worldwide recognition for his work which made America famous for its nature and public land. By capturing scenic views of national parks, he was able to bring more attention to the idea of nature and the environment, sharing his passion. This creative idea of sharing the beauty of nature to convey the importance of conservation is demonstrated by many artists since Ansel Adams began to involve it into his work. |
Similar to Ansel Adams, the corporation named Ranger of Lost also known as Ranger Doug, used landscapes of national parks to demonstrate conservation and the importance of nature. This was done by creating different posters that focus on major or easily recognizable features of national parks. Ranger Doug's Enterprises was created by Doug Leen who saw the need to protect Grand Tenton National Park. Along with this, he also saw the importance of National Parks in general and areas like these parks that protect the environment. These posters are meant to draw attention to the national parks with the colorful prints that display the location
being shown. It started as a fundraiser to raise money for this one specific park, however, now it is a company that produces over 50 old park designs to raise money for countless parks and natural areas. Along with Doug Leen, Brian Maebius is also a key actor in this enterprise. He is the illustrator that puts Leen's vision into action as the co-artist. Both Leen and Maebius uses iconic and beautiful views of Parks to not only draw attention to the beauty of the environment, but also to draw more people to visit these parks. bringing more awareness to the importance of conservation. These types of prints use broad details of the park such as well-known mountains, rivers, landmarks, or other main attractions of the parks.
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PLANNING
To start out this project, I began by simply thinking about what I want kind of image I wanted to create with this technique. I have interest in environmental issues so my first though was producing a landscape or some sort of environmental piece. I listed out different types of aspects of nature I could include such as mountains, rivers, clouds. I started my first experimentation with little to no research. The only research I did before starting my first sketch was searching for an artist who produced landscape or environmental oriented artwork. I found Ansel Adams's photography and appreciated his theme of conservation that was similar to the preservation of wilderness or the appreciation of nature. I saw how he used different national parks to produce a sense of calm in his photography that made a mollifying scene. Trying to replicate this, I very roughly sketched out three mountain peaks on a horizontal view of the block proportion. under these mountains I sketched a river and trees to add more details of nature. I noted which areas I thought should be darker, knowing that would mean that on the actual block I would need to use less texture. I also added different types of texture that might be helpful in different areas, leaving some areas empty with question marks pointed towards them to help me remember that I needed to do more experimenting with the ideas of texture. |
Starting my second experimentation I wrote down possible simple techniques that could possibly help me when carving the lock. I cam up with cross hatching to add a gradual contrast in value of the final print. I also thought about using larger carvings to create lighter areas with the texture for the areas I wanted to be highlighted on the print. Contrasting this idea, I also noted that I just reserve areas to have no carving to create the darkest areas. Unlike the first experiment, I went for a vertical approach for my second experimentation. My first and second experiments were very broad and not very detailed with arrows and words covering the sketch pointing out more ideas or concerns. This experimentation was not referenced in the end. I did not like the vertical orientation or the centered focal point being an animal or tree right in the middle of the print. With this experimentation I started thinking about the layers I could add or whether or not there should be a centered aspect of nature or use my landscape idea. I also pondered how I was planning on showing details if I wanted small features or animals on the final print. At this point, I was still unsure what I wanted to be my focal point or simply the main idea to convey my desired theme.
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While debating what my main idea of the print was going to be, I went into more research. I decided on inspiration which greatly helped me to decide how I was going to format my piece. This point in my planning stage I decided to focus on the Yosemite National Park's half dome mountain similar to how both Ansel Adams and Ranger Doug's Enterprise would focus on a recognizable landmark or well-known feature of a park as their connection of nature and the environment to the public viewer. Also similar to Ranger Doug's techniques, I thought to pinpoint a tree as a large front piece of nature. I added more nature into the sketch such as a river turning into a body of water, more trees, and grass. I put extra thought into where I wanted the most texture or the least, where I should carve and how I should carve as in what direction or what type of blade. Similar to my first two experimentation this one also has many words pointing to suggestions or questions I left myself around the block drawn in. This experimentation is much more planned out with much more details than the last.
My final experimentation was the most planned out. This was sketched after my first attempt at carving into the linoleum block. I resembled my third experimentation sketch exactly and did not like how the tree turned out. I carved around the triangular points on the tree in a very unorganized and messy manner. I did not think this looked good so I decided to go back into my sketchbook. I kept the best aspects of my first and third experimentation to produce my final sketch that consisted of the Yosemite National Park's half dome mountain, body of water, grass, and then the newly added straight tree. I still added comments and questions pointing onto the sketch with the arrows. These comments were all about the texture, as in what kind I was gonna do where. I used this sketch exactly to begin carving into my second linoleum block. I kept the comments and notes at the front of my mind as I began carving into a block for the first time.
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PROCESS
I started this project out never having used this medium before. Because of this, I had to develop many new skills. in the process of this project. I learned how to carve and use different techniques such as different levels of pressure, different blade, different direction, and more. I also was able to utilize my line work by carving over my different levels of detail.
In the end, I believe that if I had been able to produce more details in the process of carving the linoleum block, the final result of the print would have been much better. The final print was not very detailed and did not have very advanced technique. I should have practiced more techniques for carving and given myself more room for details. This possibly would have been easier with a different design, however, I am sure there are many ways to create more details in this design as well. Along with simply as additional amount of details, more precise details most likely would have improved the end result as well. Especially in the water area of the piece where there are very random carvings.
While this project could have been produced better and more efficiently, it turn out fairly well. This is considering that this is the first time I have ever use this medium. Based on this, I hope to be able to try this medium again in the future and improve my skills and techniques. I strive to improve my skills at planning, carving, and printing.
I started this project out never having used this medium before. Because of this, I had to develop many new skills. in the process of this project. I learned how to carve and use different techniques such as different levels of pressure, different blade, different direction, and more. I also was able to utilize my line work by carving over my different levels of detail.
In the end, I believe that if I had been able to produce more details in the process of carving the linoleum block, the final result of the print would have been much better. The final print was not very detailed and did not have very advanced technique. I should have practiced more techniques for carving and given myself more room for details. This possibly would have been easier with a different design, however, I am sure there are many ways to create more details in this design as well. Along with simply as additional amount of details, more precise details most likely would have improved the end result as well. Especially in the water area of the piece where there are very random carvings.
While this project could have been produced better and more efficiently, it turn out fairly well. This is considering that this is the first time I have ever use this medium. Based on this, I hope to be able to try this medium again in the future and improve my skills and techniques. I strive to improve my skills at planning, carving, and printing.
To the left is part of my brainstorming process. This is how I was able to write down my random ideas, trying to keep it fairly organized so that I could return back to this page for inspiration in later steps of my process. During my entire process I would return to this page to add more ideas or cross off ideas that I no longer liked or that did not work. I wrote down possible inspirations, sketched out small scale carving blocks to see how my ideas would work out and even wrote down some of my research. This stage is when I learned more about the american conservation movement, as seen at the bottom left corner of the page.
shaped my piece. The first picture in the top right corner is a poster representing Crater Lake National Park in the Ranger Naturalist Service Series. I pointed out how this poster have low contrast between the sky and the mountain. I also noted how the water seems to be a major focal point. Both of these points were added to my consideration list.
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After all of my experimenting and my brainstorming, I began carving into the linoleum block. I started out with sketching on the block so that I knew where to carve. The area on the top of the mountain is suppose to be the lightest area so I made the decision to carve it out as much as i possible can. I added different types of details throughout my sketch on the block to help me remember where I needed to add specific details.
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The next step of the process of this project after finishing carving the block was printing. Using an oil based ink, a brayer, ink tray, and a tool to help me apply pressure to the print, I began this step. I placed a large amount of ink onto the tray and did my best at spreading it out across they entire tray using the brayer. After I thought it was spread out enough, I coated my entire carved block in the ink, still using the brayer. Then i placed the carved block on a measured section of my space, making it easier for the paper to line up straight with the block.I used the last tool to apply as much pressure as I could for about 1-2 minutes. I determined it was good after this time and peeled the paper off. what I discovered was that I has applied too much ink, especially in the very middle. I made not of this mistake and tried to remember not to do it again. Because of the abundant amount of ink, much of the details were indistinguishable.
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Using the same steps as the previous print, I went for another attempt. This time i tried using less ink and spreading it out more. Unfortunately, I did not do a good job at fixing my problem. There were still details that were not noticeable because the ink got into the small carvings. The middle of the print is also still the darkest area meaning that I still did not spread it out enough. With these issues I thought of more solutions. I determined that if I were to wash it off and re carve the smaller crevices in the block then the ink would not be able to get stuck and become splotchy and extra. This was my next step then in attempts to solve my issue
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About 7-10 more prints were in between this print and the last print. This is because my original solution did not work right away, I had to redo this step multiple times. Going to wash the block then re-carving, re-printing, then having to wash it off again. This time I attempted not using as much ink, however, I over compensated and did not nearly put enough ink on. I struggled with this concept a lot during this process. Trying to find the middle between too much ink and not enough ink to make the final print dark but with every detail showing
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This print was very close to perfect. The goal is to create three perfect prints and if this one were sightly darker it would most likely be better near perfect. Another issue with this one, other than the value, is the dark splotches. These must have been from a lack of spreading the ink over the block moderately. Other than the splotches and the values, the ink is spread out fairly well and you can see all of the details I was originally struggling with.
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this print was definetley improvement, however, it was still too light and the ink was not even across the entire block. This created parts to be very light including the top of the mountain, the top of the tree, and the left side of the grass. To overcome this I added slightly more ink and made sure i pressed down even harder, applying more pressure especially to the areas that kept coming up too light,
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CRITIQUE
Compared to Ansel Adams and Ranger Doug Enterprises's works, my work is not quite as advanced. Their work has come with years of practice. Not only are they both much more advanced as artists as well, but they also deal with much different mediums. This makes it slightly more difficult to compare my own prints to their photography and posters. One thing that can be compared is the message created by the art. Each one of these artworks convey the theme of conservation. Each one emphasizes the nature aspects in the piece. This is done by the layers in the work as well as the contrasting values that moves the eye of the viewers to the different layers.
Compared to Ansel Adams and Ranger Doug Enterprises's works, my work is not quite as advanced. Their work has come with years of practice. Not only are they both much more advanced as artists as well, but they also deal with much different mediums. This makes it slightly more difficult to compare my own prints to their photography and posters. One thing that can be compared is the message created by the art. Each one of these artworks convey the theme of conservation. Each one emphasizes the nature aspects in the piece. This is done by the layers in the work as well as the contrasting values that moves the eye of the viewers to the different layers.
REFLECTION
After completing this entire project, including the research, process, experimentation, and critique, I can determine this to have successfully improved my skills on this medium. The original goal of this project was to produce more skills under my artistic ability and I can confirm that I was successful with this goal. I learned a vast amount of techniques and abilities that not only helped me with this medium but will also help me with projects to come. This is because I did not only learn techniques associated with block prints, I also improved on my existing research skills as well as my learning skills, developing more abilities that will help me work better on future projects. I hope to be able to work with this medium again to better improve my skills. As much as I am proud of my work done with this project, I believe that with more time to practice I would have been able to do a much better job.
After completing this entire project, including the research, process, experimentation, and critique, I can determine this to have successfully improved my skills on this medium. The original goal of this project was to produce more skills under my artistic ability and I can confirm that I was successful with this goal. I learned a vast amount of techniques and abilities that not only helped me with this medium but will also help me with projects to come. This is because I did not only learn techniques associated with block prints, I also improved on my existing research skills as well as my learning skills, developing more abilities that will help me work better on future projects. I hope to be able to work with this medium again to better improve my skills. As much as I am proud of my work done with this project, I believe that with more time to practice I would have been able to do a much better job.
CONNECTION TO THE ACT
1. Clearly explain and describe how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationship between your inspiration upon your artwork
My design for my artwork needed a lot of work before I seeked out inspiration from my two inspires. Without them, my piece would most likely not have good contrast of values or lines. I also would not have thought to represent national parks to convey conservation. My two inspires we very helpful and greatly shaped my work.
2. What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
the topic of my inspiration was the environment and conservation. Ansel Adams had a great passion for the environment and for nature and demonstrated that through his work. Along with Ranger Doug Enterprises's work has a very clear passion of preserving nature. both artists' approach is to attract viewers to nature with the beauty of the views captured
3. What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration
People are more likely to care about the environment id they are enticed by the sights they could see. Not many people have a passion for nature or care about environment but after seeing how beautiful it is captured in a photograph or how it looks represented on a poster, they have more of an inclination to visit the national park, possibly helping them develop a passion for nature and conservation.
4. What was the central idea or theme around your inspiration research?
The beauty of nature can help you remember how important it is to protect it. So many different aspects of nature are beautiful and are not worth destroying. This is why posters and photographs are taken, to remind people how important it is to protect nature.
5. What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the bases of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
I inferred that Ansel Adams and Ranger Doug were both always passionate aout the environment. Therefore they both most likely have always want to share this passion of their to others.
1. Clearly explain and describe how you are able to identify the cause-effect relationship between your inspiration upon your artwork
My design for my artwork needed a lot of work before I seeked out inspiration from my two inspires. Without them, my piece would most likely not have good contrast of values or lines. I also would not have thought to represent national parks to convey conservation. My two inspires we very helpful and greatly shaped my work.
2. What is the overall approach (point of view) the author (from your research) has regarding the topic of your inspiration?
the topic of my inspiration was the environment and conservation. Ansel Adams had a great passion for the environment and for nature and demonstrated that through his work. Along with Ranger Doug Enterprises's work has a very clear passion of preserving nature. both artists' approach is to attract viewers to nature with the beauty of the views captured
3. What kind of generalizations and conclusions have you discovered about people, ideas, cultures, etc. while you researched your inspiration
People are more likely to care about the environment id they are enticed by the sights they could see. Not many people have a passion for nature or care about environment but after seeing how beautiful it is captured in a photograph or how it looks represented on a poster, they have more of an inclination to visit the national park, possibly helping them develop a passion for nature and conservation.
4. What was the central idea or theme around your inspiration research?
The beauty of nature can help you remember how important it is to protect it. So many different aspects of nature are beautiful and are not worth destroying. This is why posters and photographs are taken, to remind people how important it is to protect nature.
5. What kind of inferences (conclusions reached on the bases of evidence and reasoning) did you make while reading your research?
I inferred that Ansel Adams and Ranger Doug were both always passionate aout the environment. Therefore they both most likely have always want to share this passion of their to others.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
The Ansel Adams Gallery. “Ansel Adams, Photographer - A Biography.” Ansel Adams, Photographer – Bio. The Ansel Adams Gallery, April 5, 2021.
https://www.anseladams.com/ansel-adams-bio/.
National Park Service. “The Work of Ansel Adams and the Conservation Movement (U.S. National Park Service).” The Work of Ansel Adams and the Conservation Movement, U.S. Department of the Interior, May 2018, www.nps.gov/articles/ansel-adams-conservation.htm. Ranger Doug's Enterprises. “Copyright.”
Ranger of Lost Art, Ranger Doug's Enterprises, 13 Aug. 2020, www.rangerdoug.com/copyright.
Ranger Doug's Enterprises. “About Us.” Ranger Doug's Enterprises, Ranger Doug's Enterprises, 2 May 2017, www.rangerdoug.com/about.
The Ansel Adams Gallery. “Ansel Adams, Photographer - A Biography.” Ansel Adams, Photographer – Bio. The Ansel Adams Gallery, April 5, 2021.
https://www.anseladams.com/ansel-adams-bio/.
National Park Service. “The Work of Ansel Adams and the Conservation Movement (U.S. National Park Service).” The Work of Ansel Adams and the Conservation Movement, U.S. Department of the Interior, May 2018, www.nps.gov/articles/ansel-adams-conservation.htm. Ranger Doug's Enterprises. “Copyright.”
Ranger of Lost Art, Ranger Doug's Enterprises, 13 Aug. 2020, www.rangerdoug.com/copyright.
Ranger Doug's Enterprises. “About Us.” Ranger Doug's Enterprises, Ranger Doug's Enterprises, 2 May 2017, www.rangerdoug.com/about.