Autumn Wreath Monoprint

I created my "Autumn Oak Leaf Wreath" monoprint while playing with a collection of oak leaves that I had created because I couldn't draw an oak leaf.*  (Cause and effect relationships are fun to ponder!)  In fact, I created a whole series of monoprints while playing with oak leaves, but this one has turned out the best, (to date).  I love the result and hope you do too! 

Image 1: Autumn Oak Leaf Wreath Monoprint by Jeanne Selep

The printmaking methods I use create an organic texture that would be nearly impossible to draw, or paint, or even predict, which is why "pulling" a print can be so exciting.  

Image 2: Oak Leaf Detail showing Texture

After making the print, I hand-colored the oak leaves in using autumn colors seen more often in maple leaves.  In my experience oak leaves colors in fall are mostly green to yellow (briefly) and then brown, but I wanted maple leaf like colorations on my oak leaves.  

Image 3: Some actual Maple Leaves Fall colorations

And so my oak leaf wreath becomes a fantasy wreath, inspired by the fantastic colors maple leaves turn in fall.

Image 4: Detail with Green Leaf of Hand Colored Leaves

Some definitions and notes: A monoprint is a form of printmaking where the printed image can only be made once.  The transfer of (usually) hand inked surfaces, images, and/or shapes to paper will result in a unique print.

Image 5: Wreath Monoprint and Mirrored Ghost Image

If enough ink remains on a transfer surface, a second print might be able to be created (or "pulled"), but the ink will be lighter and create a noticeably different work.  This second noticeably different image is sometimes called a ghost print.  

Image 6: Brown Oak Leaf wreath Monoprint

Ghost prints can also be made as mirror images via other methods.  Look closely - the two wreath monoprints shown side by side in image 5 above are basically mirror images.   

I printed multiple wreaths with oak leaves.  Below is another wreath monoprint I made, using 2 colors of ink.  I plan on hand coloring this image in the future.  The extra layers of leaves is otherwise confusing.

 

Image 7: Red and Brown Oak Leaf Wreath Monoprint by Jeanne Selep

I tried multiple concept wreath arrangements before I printed the versions I am showing you today.  You can see preliminary wreath layout using brown oak leaves below. 

Image 8: Oak Leaf Wreath Layout 'Auditioning' leaves

Other Notes: 

* I posted an Oak Leaf Monoprint post that elaborates on this story.

Individually inked leaves were pressed onto paper using a printing press.  The overall print dimensions are approximately 20 inches by 20 inches high (50cm by 50cm high) on Arches paper.  I framed the print in a resale shop frame that was 24inches x 24inches, (61cm x 61cm). 
 

Image 9: Framed Autumn Oak Leaf Wreath Monoprint by Jeanne Selep

"As long as autumn lasts, I shall not have hands, canvas and colors enough to paint the beautiful things I see"

                                                -  Vincent Van Gogh
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"Winter is an etching,
Spring a watercolor,
Summer an oil painting, and
Autumn a mosaic of them all" 

                                                -  Horowitz

Click on the images to see them enlarged.  Leave a comment if you have the time, they brighten my day!

If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

Oak Leaf Print

Glass Leaf

Pumpkin Pour

Halloween Hutch

Harvest Plates

Autumn Fun

Autumn Art P2

Kaleidoscope 3

Autumn Art P4

Glass Flowers 2

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