Beautiful Drypoints

The first assignment in our Intaglio class is to create a drypoint print. A drypoint is made by using a variety of etching tools to scratch lines and textures directly into a flat copper or zinc plate, much like drawing on paper but requiring more pressure.

At the end of Wednesday night's drypoint demo, the students began trying out the tools on a test plate, a way to practice and experiment before working on their own plates. After everyone has the chance to add something, we'll print the plate as part of the printing demo next week. Each student can then see how his or her contribution came out and we'll also have a finished group print - a record of our experience together.

The following three drypoint prints are the results of previous class groups. In each of these examples, it is remarkable to me how well the individual contributions came together as a cohesive and interesting whole.

A Shiny New Helper

At Long Beach City College, we take frugality very seriously....

This is the mop we've been using in the Printmaking area.

I believe it was purchased in 1998.

This semester, we have a new mop!!!

It's Magenta Season Again

Beautiful color in the garden these days...

Life Lessons I Have Learned from Freecell

1. Organization is a key to success.

2. Success is elusive.

3. Don't assume you are winning until you've won.

4. Computer games can be relaxing.

5. Computer games can be addicting.

6. Yoga is better for the body.

As the Announcer Said, "It's A Knuckler!"

Arizona beat Green Bay in sudden death overtime 51-45. What a great game!

My Last Hurrah Before Returning to the Salt Mines

My semester schedule starts up for good tomorrow. I'll teach screenprinting (intro and advanced sections) on Monday and Wednesday mornings from 9 - 12 at Long Beach City College and then come back in the evening to teach screenprinting (intro and advanced) and intaglio (intro and advanced) from 6:30 to 9:20 p.m. Both classes are full at 30 students each. This semester, I'll not add any wait listed students although there are more than 20 for the morning class and almost that many for the night class.

On Thursdays, I'll spend the day at Irvine Valley College as an academic advisor. This is something I've done on a part-time basis for many years and I enjoy the one-on-one student contact. It is especially satisfying to meet with students interested in becoming artists.

So, since today is my last official day off, I'm making the most of it! First up, my favorite breakfast- pancakes a la Mark Bittman, who writes The Minimalist column in the food section of the New York Times. I'll print the recipe at the end of the post.

My pancakes, almost ready to eat.

Next, coffee and a slow read of the newspapers.

After that, a visit to our neighborhood farmer's market. I bought two large, beautiful Asian pears. (TIP: The vendor suggested this home remedy: scoop out some of the pulp from the top of an Asian pear and fill it with honey. Boil it in water for 30 - 45 minutes. The resulting tea will be soothing to sore throats.)

Next, a couple of quick errands with Joe and some last minute class preps. (But these don't count as "last hurrah" activities.)

Next, some chips and salsa while watching football. (At this moment, Arizona-24, Green Bay Packers -10.)

Later, pizza for dinner! (Yes, this day isn't my best in terms of healthy eating.) And we'll probably watch one of our netflix finds, an episode of Rebus, a BBC detective series.

Our favorite pizza: DiGiorno.

Nice day! A bit slovenly, but a great way to finish my vacation and get motivated for the new semester. I'll be ready for a fresh start in the morning.

________

Mark Bittman's Light, Fluffy and Rich Pancakes

1 cup ricotta or cottage cheese

1 cup sour cream or plain yogurt

3 eggs, separated

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1 cup all-purpose flour

dash of salt

1 tablespoon sugar

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons grated lemon zest

Butter or grapeseed or other neutral oil as needed.

Beat together the ricotta or cottage cheese, sour cream or yogurt and egg yolks. Combine baking soda, flour, salt and sugar. Beat egg whites until fairly stiff but not dry.

Heat a griddle or large skillet over medium-low heat while you finish batter. Stir flour mixture into cheese mixture, blending well but not beating. Stir in lemon juice and zest, then gently fold in beaten egg whites; they should remain somewhat distinct in batter.

Add about a tablespoon butter or oil to griddle or skillet and coat surface. When it is hot, add batter by the heaping tablespoon, making sure to include some egg white in each spoonful. Cook until lightly browned on bottom, 3 to 5 minutes, then turn and cook second side. Serve immediately. Yield: four servings.

An Etching by Kristen Weaver

untitled, 1993(?)

Kristen Weaver

etching with aquatint

I'm preparing for the new semester, which begins on Monday. This morning, I pulled together a group of etchings from our collection to show the new intaglio students. I've always loved this etching by Kristin Weaver. She gave it to me at the end of a printmaking class I taught as a graduate student, probably in 1993. (My, how time flies.) She was a very talented art major. I wonder where Kristen is now and what she is doing...