Prior to our most recent study group, several of the Garden Club members had a delicious lunch at Eastgate Café at 102 Harrison Street. Then we crossed the street to our class at Expressions Graphics.
At our workshop, Janet Schill and Carol Friedle introduced to monotype printmaking. First Janet discussed the artful history of printmaking, and taught us a bit about using watercolors. Then we outlined and painted our own designs with water color pencils and paints onto mylar translucent plates pretreated with a release agent. We used a combinations of freehand drawing, tracing and interpreting photographs to create our prints.

Then Janet and Carol taught us how to use their fascinating print machine to turn our painted designs into printed works of art. The final results were more impressionistic and abstract than the originals. We enjoyed the process and are all eager to explore more of this creative art.

Expressions Graphics is a not-for-profit organization located at 29 Harrison Street, Oak Park. They have a full lineup of classes available for adults and for children interested in various aspects of printmaking. Visit the website to learn more about Expressions Graphics and printmaking: http://expressionsgraphics.org.