Queen of Hearts

Do yourself a favor and be sure to visit the Annex at the Harrison Center on First Friday, where some of Kyle Ragsdale’s very newest works are hanging. As a printmaker, I can’t help but to be drawn to his many monotypes in this show, and the story behind how and where they were created is as special as the work itself.

Kyle spent nine days studying with Master Printmaker Ron Pakrosso in the city of Guanajuato, Mexico last Summer, focusing on monotype techniques. In case you are unfamiliar with what monotype is, it’s a process where one single print is taken from a design created with printing ink or paint on plexiglass or metal. Monotype or monoprinting is considered the most “painterly” of the printmaking mediums, making it a perfect fit for a painter. What is exciting about Kyle’s newest prints is the combining of monotype with Solarplate printing and chine collet to create the beautiful mixed media effect that makes them so magical. The use of solar plate images made it possible for Kyle to repeat various themes, such as polka dots, patterns and the sketch of a Spanish woman from a costume catalogue. Besides being in class with a great artist and teacher, Kyle was very inspired by the beautiful, colonial city of Guanajuato, which he described as “dreamy”, with its cobblestone streets and wonderful gardens. The environment resulted in Kyle producing these richly layered prints.

In addition to the monotypes, there are six paintings that were created in New Harmony for the “First Brush of Spring” paint out that is presented yearly by Indiana Plein Air Painters Association. Being relatively new to plein air painting, Kyle was excited to have won Second Prize in the event. These pieces were painted outside and on location just last week.

Rounding out the show are three 4’x 8’ pieces that you may have seen hanging in the windows of Circle Center Mall. These pieces done in Kyle’s signature style were painted in February and are appealing for their size and for the colorful, splashy imagery that somehow manages to be exciting and calming at the same time. The show will hang through May 31st.