About the Arts
Printmaker Scott Schnepf at the George Marshall Store Gallery
By Rose Safran
"Scott Schnepf: Etchings and Woodblock Prints," one example of the comprehensive Maine Print Project, will remain on view at the George Marshall Store through Oct. 29.
Courtesy photo
Downstairs, the detailed, delightful, skillful etchings and woodblock prints by University of New Hampshire Professor Scott Schnepf are on exhibit.
Along with the prints are a few oil paintings from which the prints have been derived as well as an assortment of carefully arranged props that don't look especially inspirational, but create artistic wonders when transmitted to paper and/or oil on canvas. It's most interesting to see such props, which might consist of rather ordinary tea bags, paper cups, clips, ceramic and glass objects of various sizes and shapes, set up and then to understand how the artist has interpreted the concoction from these "things found around" his studio.
"I like the translucence," Schnepf states of a paper cup or a tea bag beautifully highlighted on the completed work of art.
His light seems to come from the rear, or from above in these finished, quiet-appearing, still life arrangements of articles. Light is the magic. A strong, steady hand the essential tool. A fine eye the blender. And, patience galore the ingredient for time-needed detail. Such are the essentials for printmaking. Yes, it's hard work.
Schnepf also likes to move the objects around. For example, in one series of prints with many similar objects, an Italian Renaissance lady (taken from a postcard he happened to have, the artist informed me) is moved about the miscellaneous objects - to one side, then another, lending a different look to each of the images.
Most interesting and educational for those unfamiliar with process, are a series of states achieved by adding successive colors to plates. For the uninitiated, there is on view an example of a copper plate, etched with fine lines.
One visitor to the opening reception inquired of the artist about the color in one of the artist's meticulous etchings, most formed from copper plates, and the artist stated, frankly, that he couldn't remember just how he attained that particular color.
As for subjects on view here, there is variety, including a noteworthy series of gardens, which Schnepf said were his "friend's garden in Italy."
Nice to have friends in such lovely places. And to have an opportunity to enjoy the profusion of horticultural wonder recreated here.
"Scott Schnepf: Etchings and Woodblock Prints" will remain on view through Oct. 29.
