Linocut Process Video

If you've ever wondered about the work that goes into creating a linocut print, you're in luck because I just posted my first video of the carving process!

The 45-minutes of footage have been condensed into this five minute clip. Special thanks to my dearest Adam for providing the inspiration and tech support behind this video!

Here are some photos of the final prints after being finished with a wash of color.

Puppy Portraits

We're doing some remodeling around the house, and I've been thinking a lot about what kind of art I'd like to put up once the dust has settled and the paint has dried. 

Prints of our fur children seemed like an obviously must!

Winston puppy! @chiiill_winston #pittbullsofinstagram #petportrait #linocut #linoprint #reductionprint #printmaking #dogsofinstgram #handcarved #blockprinting #speedball #stamps #stampcarving

A post shared by Lia Mendez (@smallfoxpress) on Sep 4, 2017 at 12:28pm PDT

Go Figure

I have a new work space and a happy little fig tree lives outside my window. I'm told it produces heaps of fruit, if the birds don't get to it first. It will be several weeks before the figs are ripe, but in the meantime they've inspired this design. Here's a look at my process for carving and proofing a print. 

For more process pics and videos, follow me on Instagram @smallfoxpress

Nesting

It's been eight months since my cross-country move back to California, and I'm only just now beginning to unpack art supplies and find my creative groove again. 

Now that I've got a physical space dedicated to making, I'm eager to start taking commissions and finally feel excited about diving back into my own projects. 

First up: Cabbage roses and a pair of sweet mourning doves.

I've really been enjoying taking colored pencils to my stamp proofs. It's a fun and therapeutic way to experiment and gets me excited for future watercolor washes and digital designs.

Fun tip: After coloring with pencil, rub your piece with a lightly oiled Q-Tip. It adds a nice sheen, blends the colors seamlessly, and really makes the picture pop.