Author Archives: MStraccia Art

Please Help Me Shape My New Linocut Art Class

Recently people have mentioned that they are interested in learning more about my art process. I have hosted workshops in the past, and I am planning a class on how to create reduction linocut prints at home. Coming soon to 2026! I’ve created a quick survey so I can find out more about potential students,Continue reading “Please Help Me Shape My New Linocut Art Class”

Applying for Open Calls and Exhibitions

At the start of 2025, an artist friend suggested I try to get my prints into some exhibitions. I applied to four open calls this year and I was successful at three of them. How Did I Find Out About Open Calls? Galleries and art organisers promote their open calls on Instagram. It seemed toContinue reading “Applying for Open Calls and Exhibitions”

Dipper Print Inspired By A Walk In Monsal Dale, Derbyshire

This is my latest completed reduction linocut print of a dipper I saw at Monsal Dale in Derbyshire. Anyone who is familiar with the area should recognise the old railway viaduct in the background over the winding River Wye. Me and my partner, Jack, had a fantastic sunny Spring Day, walking the meadow and lookingContinue reading “Dipper Print Inspired By A Walk In Monsal Dale, Derbyshire”

The Lost Portfolio

An Illustration Exhibition at Bedford College The Circus of Illustration is a group of professional designers and illustrators who volunteer their time to help promote illustration locally in Bedford. We were approached by Bedford College to organise an exhibition in their South Bank Gallery. Home of their art and design department. Unfortunately we weren’t givenContinue reading “The Lost Portfolio”

Kestrels Near Harboro Rocks

A New Reduction Linocut Print Inspired by the Nature in the Derbyshire Dales Way back in November I was lucky enough to go to the Derbyshire Dales and Peak District for a little birthday trip with Jack. I love this part of the English countryside. It is the nearest British National Park to Sheffield University (whereContinue reading “Kestrels Near Harboro Rocks”

My 2024 Art Journey: Achievements and Reflections

I’ve noticed some artists on social media are sharing their work and accomplishments of 2024. I was reading these posts thinking, “Oh no, they’ve done so much this year and I haven’t achieved anything. Why am I so lazy?” I decided to try and write it down. Here is my retrospective of 2024. I exhibited atContinue reading “My 2024 Art Journey: Achievements and Reflections”

Why I Switched from Etsy to Sum Up for Selling Prints

Bye Etsy. Hello Sum-Up Why have I decided to sell on a new platform? Etsy Shops Aren’t What They Used to Be. I’ve been disappointed with how I’ve seen Etsy evolve over the years. I started selling on the platform back in 2008. In those days Etsy was a champion of independent artists and makers.Continue reading “Why I Switched from Etsy to Sum Up for Selling Prints”

Split pin puppets inspired by Edward Bawden

A super easy creative activity you can do at home with the kids On Sunday, I ran a kids workshop for crafternoon at The Higgins in Bedford. It is home to the Bawden archive, and the popular ‘Edward Bawden and Me’ exhibition is still on until January 2025 so I always try to theme ourContinue reading “Split pin puppets inspired by Edward Bawden”

Easy Crafty Loo Roll Lion Workshop at The Higgins: A Fun Activity for Families

I want to share with you these super fun and easy crafty loo roll lions. We made them at The Higgins, the home of the Edward Bawden archive in Bedford. The lions are inspired by Bawden’s Aesop Fable artwork for ‘The Lion and The Gnat’. You can see the piece in the main (or mane)Continue reading “Easy Crafty Loo Roll Lion Workshop at The Higgins: A Fun Activity for Families”