I kind of always expected that there would be a dragonfly featured in the Details of the Meadow series. I just had no idea that it would be my largest, and most intensive work to date. I also had no idea what it would take to actually produce, or what it would ultimately take from me in the process.
Just like the rest of the Details of the Meadow series, every element in Dragonfly, most notably his beautiful wings, were originally printed as monotype prints from delicate “printing plates” made from actual dragonfly wings. These tiny, intricate prints were then enlarged 1,600 percent and hand-printed at their final size, giving Mr. Dragonfly a five-and-a-half foot wingspan. The flora and fauna below him anchoring the piece, were also individually printed directly from the botanical itself as a monotype, each arranged and reproduced in shades of grey.
The Dragonfly’s wings were first screen printed in a soft grey to serve as a guide, allowing the colors to be hand painted, using multiple layers of transparent glazes, with special attention to subtle details like making sure his legs and arms could be seen through the translucent wings. Also added were prints from the reverse-printed monotypes, adding translucent metallic pearl highlights which capture the light, adding a subtle iridescence. Just like the Dandelion, the dragonfly’s body and wings were finally varnished with several coats of high-gloss, protecting the print, enhancing the color depth and accentuating it from the textured, matte white background.
A smaller, 24×24 inch limited edition on archival Coventry paper was also hand-printed and signed and numbered by the artist. These capture the same detail as the original on canvas, without requiring 8 feet of wall space.
ABOUT THIS SERIES
For over two years, I collected natural elements—leaves, flowers, feathers, even dragonfly wings—to create and capture direct monotype impressions. Each print captures not just the image but the very texture of these organic forms, yielding a depth that even photography cannot match. Yet, the beauty of these monotype prints was often too small to be fully appreciated or even seen with the naked eye.
Details of the Meadow is my solution—an expansion of these delicate, intricate prints into large-scale works that celebrate their depth, complexity, and inherent beauty. By using screen printing as a tool for reinterpretation, I bridge the fine details of nature with the expressive qualities of printmaking, ensuring that every nuance is seen, felt, and experienced.
