Definitely Something New -- My First Lino Print

November 27, 2023 Natalie Wargin

I began this linoleum print a while ago and as the process got more complicated for me, a first timer, I put it on hold. Recently I came back to it. This is the finished print, the only keeper out of ten attempts. It has several ‘mistakes’ but you might never notice them. I’m fairly happy with the result.

This meteor shower image is one I’ve painted before and I’ll admit that it’s one of my favorites. Everything you see here is true. This is my house, my garage, my front yard. Yes, there was an impressive meteor shower and yes, the deer do come in the night and help themselves to whatever appeals. Wild turkeys definitely sleep up in the trees. As for the piece itself it should have been a reduction print but the image is fairly large (14 x 18 inches) and I didn’t want to destroy the block. I thought I might want to use it again so rather than cutting the linoleum away I cut masks to cover the areas that I didn’t want to print.

I have prints of this piece in my Etsy shop here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1590540268/art-print-original-linoleum-print-meteor?click_key=f1ac736c397eebd3b1d0f14dafe313b95eaf3d66%3A1590540268&click_sum=b0e38b78&ref=shop_home_active_1&sts=1

From November 27 through December 1 I’m running a sale. 20% off any purchase.
My shop will be closing on December 8 and won’t reopen until early March.
Thanks so much for looking at my work. It’s much appreciated.
Happy Holidays!

Masking an area. “Meteor Shower” linoleum print.

A new Sampler In Colored Pencil

August 5, 2022 Natalie Wargin

I decided to do another colored pencil sampler, just to get back into the swing of things after my exhibit in Woodstock. These drawings done in the style of an old fashioned sampler are relatively quick for me to execute and they’re very satisfying when completed. I’ve titled this one “Everything.”

Just above the curve of the earth are the moon and stars in the night sky and the soft clouds and sun of a new day. In the hills white tailed deer graze, odd birds fly, a rabbit runs, a horse gallops. Somebody should repair that fence. The woman waters her wildly successful garden. Just get a load of the peonies. An old dog relaxes. I’ll bet the house is cozy. The shed seems in good repair and if you choose to sit and rest for a moment you can watch the turtle in the pond under the buttonbush. There’s a black bear near the tree. I have to think about him.
This is everything.

“Sampler #4, Everything”
19 x 22 inches
Prismacolor pencil on Stonehenge Drawing Paper
$400

I’m running a sale in my Etsy shop, 15% off any purchase. The sale runs from today, August 5 through Sunday, August 7.
This original piece of art is available here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1278990519/original-colored-pencil-drawing-country?click_key=82736205cf8f36676c849f1f380c14b46f89819f%3A1278990519&click_sum=852e91ca&ref=shop_home_active_1

Prints of this image are also available here:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/1265042630/art-print-original-colored-pencil?click_key=355b32be87acde1a1c3fa446a8713b5229ebfd6f%3A1265042630&click_sum=9f11c33f&ref=shop_home_active_1

Thank you for taking a look at what I’ve been up to. I appreciate it!

Two Bears and Homeopathy

December 17, 2015 Natalie Wargin

"Grandparents of the Forest" website header art

I've been busy lately developing some characters for a website and a future children's book. The client is an herbalist and therapist who specializes in behavior disorders in children. She's chosen a bear couple, bespectacled Nicolas and Lila, as the stars in a story about how herbs, natural remedies, and nature itself can help children to lead calmer lives. The author wants to show children the wonders of nature and how turning to nature can be helpful and healing.

The bears are mythical medicine makers – community herbalists. The female is a shaman, the male is a scientist although there is some fun and play in this as they switch roles often. They complement each other. The bears have a cave to retreat to – deep in the woods. It’s a classic underworld cave with mystical writing and drawings on the walls. Lila talks to the plants, rocks, animals and birds, listening for their reply. She is the personification of the Mother, warm, welcoming, kind. Nicolas is a scientist who knows a lot about plants and animals and he likes to dabble with potions and medicines. The book will tell of Lila coming to know that there is a need somewhere amongst the children of the village. She'll look for the right plant to help.

That's it in a nutshell. I'll let you know how things progress.

I want to wish all of you the happiest of holidays.
Thank you for following along with my bits of news.
I'm planning lots of new work in the new year.