Print Artist Diane Tompkinson Penn Cove Gallery is pleased to announce that print artist Diane Tompkinson (at left) has joined the gallery. Diane studied art at the University of Oregon, working in oils, acrylics, printmaking, and for the last fifteen years, woodcarving. Growing up on the wooded bluffs of Puget Sound, she spent a lot of time in the woods and at the beach. Consequently, frequent topics of her work are birds of the forest and shore, as well as saltwater creatures. Sailing across the Pacific brought Diane many special experiences. Retired from teaching, she has made a lifelong study of birds, particularly owls and other raptors and their natural enemies, the highly intelligent crow family.
"Long-eared Owl" print by Diane Tompkinson. Source: crowvalleyarts.com Although Diane works in mixed media, it is through printmaking that she says she is able to enjoy her love of painting, drawing, and carving. As a second-generation woodcarver Diane often leaves purposeful carving marks in her linocut prints. She frequently creates monotype prints (one-of-a-kind) as they bridge painting and printmaking for her.
The larger prints Diane creates using a press, while most of the smaller linocut prints are done by hand using a wooden rice spoon. She enjoys creating a variety of printing plates using plant material, sandpaper, plexiglass, metal, fabric, and even eggshells. Organic hand-made paper and botanical materials are often employed in her prints. She says she is beguiled by a love of pattern that often shows up in her pen and ink drawings and relief prints. Diane's topics range from representational work to the abstract.
The larger prints Diane creates using a press, while most of the smaller linocut prints are done by hand using a wooden rice spoon. She enjoys creating a variety of printing plates using plant material, sandpaper, plexiglass, metal, fabric, and even eggshells. Organic hand-made paper and botanical materials are often employed in her prints. She says she is beguiled by a love of pattern that often shows up in her pen and ink drawings and relief prints. Diane's topics range from representational work to the abstract.