Author Archives: MStraccia Art

Interview with Bedford Flea

On Sunday 10 April I will be trading at my first Bedford flea. Talia and Laura, who organise this amazing market, have been interviewing all the makers. If you want to find out more about me, now is your chance! Here’s a transcript of the mini interview that they have been sharing on their socials.Continue reading “Interview with Bedford Flea”

The GAL-lery

Drink and Draw with the Circus of Illustration This month the Circus of of Illustration are hosting a Drink and Draw based on inspirational women in anticipation of international womens day. What is Drink and Draw? Drink and Draw nights are relaxed affairs. We host a free evening of drawing at The Park Pub inContinue reading “The GAL-lery”

Heart Vase

This is a new reduction linocut of some flowers in a vase. It’s soooo bright and colourful. The photo is quite faithful to how the print appears in real life. I’ve mixed my own pinks and purple rather than using pigment straight from the tube. It was so satisfying to do. These are dry now.Continue reading “Heart Vase”

Two colour linocut print

The solstice House Instead of a reduction print I thought I would try a design using two pieces of lino scraps. I made two separate blocks, a blue and beige design of a cute little night time cottage. I added a lot of extender to my printing inks, so where the layers of colour overlapContinue reading “Two colour linocut print”

The Chalice

The Chalice is surrounded by stylised depictions of foxglove, deadly nightshade, hemlock and wolfsbane plants. Who does this cup belong to? What is in the bottle? The poisoned chalice appears, at first, to be an honour, but in time becomes a myriad of difficult problems. It’s a curse! The phrase is found originally in Shakespeare’sContinue reading “The Chalice”

Winter Barn Owl Reduction Print now on sale

I have added a new listing to my Etsy shop. This reduction print of a winter barn owl. A snowy scene for your walls, just in time for Christmas (great if you are looking for gifts for nature lovers). If you are interested in how I created this limited edition linocut you can read aContinue reading “Winter Barn Owl Reduction Print now on sale”

Winter Barn Owl

An outline of my process when I create a linocut reduction print Firstly I make a sketch in my sketchbook using colour pencils. A different colour for each layer. I trace the image using carbon paper onto my lino. I used Japanese lino for this print. It is double sided, so it can be usedContinue reading “Winter Barn Owl”

Small Steps To Being Creative In Your Local Community

Do you feel like you even belong to your local community? Do you get the feeling that you’re engaging less with your neighbours? Maybe you’re interacting more with strangers on social media. Perhaps with people who you haven’t even met with face to face. We have our immediate family, our work colleagues or school friends,Continue reading “Small Steps To Being Creative In Your Local Community”