Lenten Garden #1
12 x 12 inches
Monotype collage on paper
©2020 Lucinda Howe

The subtle pinks and greens of the lenten roses (hellebores) in my garden inspired this composition. I combined monoprints that I made last week with images of tree bark and structures that I had made in earlier printing sessions. I thought you might like to see photos of my process.

First, I chose a print of the leaves with warm pinks and cool greens as a starting point. I added more leaves, bark, and structure in similar colors. 

My first selection seemed to have too much contrast and greens were too cool, so I substituted lighter bark and warmer green leaves.

After moving things around several ways, I accidentally put the translucent print on top of the others and liked the layered effect.

I cut some of the pieces to blend the edges. At this point, I had everything pinned to a board to keep them in place. After I was satisfied with the composition, I glued it together and completed the piece at the top of the post.

What do you think of Lenten Garden #1. Do you think it successfully conveys the feel of the late winter garden?

Does hearing my thought process and seeing in-progress photos add to your appreciation of the art? Or would you prefer to see only the finished piece?