Palmetto Series #4
7×5 inches
acrylic monotype on cradled panel
©2020 Lucinda Howe

This week I’m reworking small 7×5” monotypes of palmetto trees by mounting them on panels. The sabal palmetto is the state tree of South Carolina and often appears in my work.

I’ve written about these trees and the process of making these prints in the past. Click on this link to read other posts.
https://lucindahowe.com/tag/palmetto-trees/

Drawing of palmetto boots in journal, 6×4″ by Lucinda Howe

I liked the graphic geometry of the boots on the trunk of a palmetto tree in a watercolor in my journal. I used it as inspiration for this series. I separated the drawing into back ground, dark, and middle values.

Stencils for 7×5″ gelli prints

I cut stencils from Dura-Lar acetate alternative using an Xacto knife. I planned to leave the white of the paper as the light values.

Stack of duds

I printed many of these on card stock using the gelli plate. A few came out well, but there were many duds. I prefer to make a lot and select the best rather than trying to get it perfect on every piece.

5×7″ cradled panels

I have matted and framed several of these monotypes and sold them. This week I decided to try mounting the others on panels so I can hang them without a frame. I ordered a box of 5×7 panels and selected six pieces to mount and varnish.

monotypes mounted on panels, sides painted black

I glued the paper to the panels with acrylic matte medium and weighted them with books to dry overnight. Then I carefully trimmed the edges if there was any overhang.

paintings ready for varnishing

After mounting six pieces, I applied two coats of Liquitex satin varnish.

Next steps will be adding wires and labels on the back and updating my database. I’ll have 8 new pieces ready to exhibit.