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

I am linking up to these parties:
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Loulougirls: Fabulous-party 501 Mon 1p (l Entry 10 of 66.)
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* Marty at Stroll Life: Inspire Me 706 Mon 3p (l Entry 70 of 145.)
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Jenerally informed: Happy-now 399 Tues (m Entry 21 of 126.)
Master pieces of my life: Home Imagined 31 Tue 6a (Entry 11 of 69.)
My Wee Abode: Tuesday Turn About (s Entry 19r of 161r.)
Stonecottageadventures: Tues with a twist (l Entry 11 of 30.)
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Lindas lunacy: Making-a-home Tue 9a (m Entry 5monthly)
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Creating Kaleidoscopes Part 4

Kaleidoscope S1: Free desktop background

God is the ultimate creator, and God gifted humans with the ability to create.  So for me, creating is an exhilarating experience - when I create I feel closer to God.
 

Kaleidoscope S2: Free desktop background

Creating allows me time to think about God's gifts - nature around us, and the ability to create that he gave to us humans.  Both gifts give me much joy.

Kaleidoscope S3: Free desktop background

Creating this set of kaleidoscopes was particularly rewarding because I finally like the resulting images almost more then the initial photo.

Kaleidoscope S4: Free desktop background

It's the fall season, a season associated with spooky and dark images, but I could title these kaleidoscopes "The Opposite of Goth".  The results have happy, bright colors.
('Goth' referring to those people who like to wear black with black fingernail polish, etc.)

Kaleidoscope S5: Fall foliage with altered colors

The photo source for these kaleidoscopes was a photo of fall foliage.

Wisconsin fall foliage, October 2013

The fall foliage can be in crisp focus and yet the individual leaves start to blend into each other...

Fall foliage: Free desktop background

... acting like dabs of paints that become an impressionistic (or pointillism?) fantasy in the kaleidoscopes.

Kaleidoscope S6: Fall foliage with altered colors

In the kaleidoscope images it is a struggle to find the leaves from the source image.

Kaleidoscope S7: Fall foliage

Even the colors from the source image change as they become isolated in different patterns.

Kaleidoscope S8: Fall foliage

I'm hoping you enjoy this latest batch of inspired creations.  I'd love to hear your thoughts if you have the time.


Click on the images to see them enlarged. (Yes, you can see these images even larger!)  The best way to see the images in their largest format is to (on a windows system) right click on the image and select "open in new tab" from the option box that opens. This bypasses software that limits the size of the image opened.  On the newly opened image, click on the image again to see it  zoomed maximum.


If you enjoyed this post you might also like:

Kaleidoscope Part 6

Kaleidoscope Part 5

Kaleidoscope Part 4

Kaleidoscope Part 3

Kaleidoscope Part 2

Kaleidoscope Part 1

Peacock Kaleidoscope

Mosaic Window

I am linking to these parties:

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Mon Mellow Yellows: Mon Mellow Yellows (Entry 33 of 33.)
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Creative Princess: Party 179 (Entry 1 of 113.)
Katherine: Thurs Favorite Things 160 (Entry 70 of 380.)
Jan Olson: Share your Cup of Tea Thur 121 (Entry 29 of 139.)
A Delight: Home and Garden Thur (Entry 6 of 169.)
Ivy and Elephants: Whats it Wed 137 (Entry 133 of 186.)
From my Porch: Treasure Hunt Thur 176 (Entry 36 of 119.)
Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home 190 (Entry 7 of 157.) *

French Country: Feather Nest Fri (Entry 37 of 271.) *
Craftberry Bush: Inspiration Gallery (Entry 86 of 224.) *
Redoux Interiors: Handmade Hangout 16 (Entry 172 of 378.) 

Romantic Home: Show and Tell (Entry 35 of 193.) *

Chic: Flaunt it Friday 225 (Entry 12 of 185.)

Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday (Entry 22 of 168.)
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Be Diff: Show and Tell Sat (Entry 1 of 252.)
Pieced Pastimes: Saturday Sparks 84 (Entry 30 of 116.)
Thoughts from Alice: Sun At Home 32 (Entry 24 of 76.)
Lavender Cottage: Mosaic Monday 10 (Entry 6 of 36.)

Boogie Board: Masterpiece Mon 195 (Entry 10 of 108.)
Under the Table: Sunday Showcase 263 (Entry 48 of 204.) 
Uncommon Design: Monday Funday (Entry 105 of 524.) 
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Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tues 232 (Entry 61 of 181.)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Tues 238 (Entry 129 of 309.)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Monday  (Entry 123 of 259.) 
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Carolyn: The Inspiration Board (Entry 141 of 201.)
Elizabeth: Be Inspired 138 (Entry 76 of 128.) *

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Kaleidoscope Part 3 Fall Colors

 

Maple Leaf on Black Kaleidoscope

Note:  This post was from September 2014 and got deleted between 2020 and 2021.  I managed to restore the post to around Sep 15, 2023.  

I have been sharing kaleidoscopes made with my photos, today and in my last two posts.  The image above uses leaf scans from previous years arranged to create one of my favorite kaleidoscopes to date.

Autumn Berries Fall Foliage, Oct 2013

The next several kaleidoscopes use my autumn berry photo (above) as the source.

Autumn Berries 1 Kaleidoscope Art

As I play and experiment, several thoughts occur to me.

Autumn Berries 2 - Free desktop background Kaleidoscope

These results are fun but not as beautiful as God's original creation.  Sometimes the kaleidoscopes results are even creepy.  (I'm not sharing the creepy ones).

Autumn Berries 3 Kaleidoscope

Portions of the kaleidoscopes take on insect like qualities.  Maybe that is how God came up with insects - symmetry play.

Autumn Berries 4 Kaleidoscope

The centers of the kaleidoscopes almost never resemble anything from the original image.

Maple Fall Foliage - Free desktop background

I used the maple tree photo (above) to create the next two images.

Red Maple Tree 1 Kaleidoscope Art

Where did that amoeba-like center appear from?

Red Maple Tree 2 - Free desktop background Kaleidoscope

This yellow tree was used for the next three kaleidoscopes.

Fall Foliage - Yellow Tree and branches

The gnarled branches of the tree creates interesting shapes and line art in the kaleidoscope.

Yellow Tree 1 Kaleidoscope

The swirling pattern below looks more striking when magnified.
(Yes, you can see these images even larger!  The best way to see the images in their largest format is to (on a windows system) right click on the image and select "open in new tab" from the option box that opens. This bypasses software that limits the size of the image opened.  On the newly opened image, click on the image again to see it  zoomed maximum).

Yellow Tree 2 Kaleidoscope

I included this one to show how slight differences can really change the look of the kaleidoscope.

Yellow Tree 3 Kaleidoscope

Finally, I wanted to show you with the first image shown with a white background instead of a black background.  I'd love to hear which images are your favorites - my favorites might just be the original photographs...  Either way, enjoy the photos and enjoy your own personal autumn!

Maple Leaf on White Kaleidoscope

Click on the images to see them enlarged.(Yes, you can see these images even larger!  The best way to see the images in their largest format is to (on a windows system) right click on the image and select "open in new tab" from the option box that opens. This bypasses software that limits the size of the image opened.  On the newly opened image, click on the image again to see it  zoomed maximum).

If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy...

Kaleidoscope 6

Kaleidoscope 5

Kaleidoscope 4

Kaleidoscope 3

Kaleidoscope 2

Kaleidoscope 1

Peacock Kaleid

Mosaic Window

Glass Flowers 2

Glass Flowers 1

I am linking to these parties:

Southern Daydreamer: Outdoor Wednesday (Entry 3 of 46.)
Rambling Woods: Nature Notes (Entry 23 of 33.) 
Our World: Our World Tuesday (Entry 80 of 134.)
Travel Photo: Travel Photo Mondays (Entry 24 of 29.) 
Carolyn: The Inspiration Board (Entry 1 of 184.)
Elizabeth: Be Inspired 136 (Entry 101 of 146.) *
Elizabeth: Sept Garden Party (Entry 42 of 42.)  
Lavender Garden: Cottage Style (Entry 7x of 39.)
Girlish Whims: Your Whims Wed 182 (Entry 4 of 205.)

Ivy and Elephants: Whats it Wed 136 (Entry 51 of 157.)
Green Willow Pond: What We Accomp' Wed 63 (Entry 28)
Family Home: Wow us Wed (Entry 5 of 86.)
Savvy Style: Wow Us Wed 189 (Entry 167 of 325.) *
Good North Coast: Reconnect with Nature (Entry 3 of 7.)
Gotta Create: Wildly Original 124 (Entry 32 of 166.)
Creative Princess: Party 178 (Entry 1 of 96.)
ABC Wednesday: L for ABC Wednesday (Entry 55 of 70.)
Jan Olson: Share your Cup of Tea Thur 120 (Entry 1 of 130.)
A Delight: Home and Garden Thur (Entry 43 of 126.)
From my Porch: Treasure Hunt Thur 175 (Entry 34 of 137.) 
Charm of Home: Home Sweet Home 189 (Entry 6 of 136.) *  I was featured!

French Country: Feather Nest Fri (Entry 17 of 279.) *
Craftberry Bush: Inspiration Gallery (Entry 82 of 241.)
Redoux Interiors: Handmade Hangout 15 (Entry 108 of 335.)
Romantic Home: Show and Tell (Entry 25 of 212.) *
Chic: Flaunt it Friday 225 (Entry 11 of 180.)

Shabby Nest: Frugal Friday (Entry 22 of 164.)
Pieced Pastimes: Saturday Sparks 82 (Entry 143 of 158.)
Thoughts from Alice: Sun At Home 31 (Entry 22 of 62.)
Maleviks Rose: Saturday Show Off (Entry 20 of 52.) 
Be Diff: Show and Tell Sat (Entry 100 of 224.)

Natasha in Oz: Say G'day Sat 107 (Entry 182 of 372.)

Lavender Cottage: Mosaic Monday 9 (Entry 12 of 38.)

Boogie Board: Masterpiece Mon 199 (Entry 25 of 75)
StephanieLynn: Sunday Showcase 262 (Entry 5 of 210)
Dedicted House: Make it Pretty Monday 116 (Entry 63 of 270)

Uncommon Design: Monday Funday (Entry 199 of 695.)

Mod Vintage: Mod Mix Mon 170 (Entry 24 of 65)
BNOTP: Metamorphis Monday (Entry x) *
Coastal Charm: Nifty Thrifty Tues 231 (Entry 38 links gone)
* Stroll Life: Inspire Me Tue 237 (Entry 278 of 304.)
Uncommon Slice: Inspire Me Mon 28  (Entry 254 of 272.) 
Its Overflowing: Count your Blessings (Entry 137 hard to find.)
Cedarhill Ranch: The Scoop 139 (Entry 337 links gone.)
Knick of Time: Vintage Inspiration 157 (Entry 100 of 100.) 
Katherine: Thurs Favorite Things 91 (Entry missed.)
Someday Crafts: Whatever Goes Wed 174 (Entry missed.)
Kent Weakley: Sweet Shot Tue (Entry 34 of 39.)
Beautiful World 365: Week 66 (Entry 5 of 7.)
Communal Global: Wed Around the World (Entry 36 of 40.)
Snap: Show and Tell Wed 134 (Entry 25 of 235.)  
Tatertots: Weekend Wrap Up (Entry 110 of 837.)
Inspiration Avenue: Weekly Art Challenge (Entry 5 of 8)  url is gone.

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