This presentation will follow my process for creating vibrant abstract art with a mid-century feel using original hand-printed papers. At the center of my practice is the gel plate, a simple tool that produces richly varied results. I will begin by demonstrating how I use acrylic paint on a gel plate to create one-of-a-kind prints, highlighting the versatility and dramatic effects of this technique. In my practice I create a series of hand-pulled prints that explore the relationships between shape, color, and pattern. In the second stage, I will discuss how I select, compose, and finish these prints as abstract collages mounted on wood. Through simple collage techniques, the individual prints come together into designs that tell a story, evoke a feeling, or invite a closer look. The finished works reflect a strong sense of color, harmony, and flow.

 

Biography

For Penny Buckley, art was a much-needed antidote to the suffering and hardships she witnessed while working with women experiencing homelessness in Tucson. What began as a quiet exploration of color, form, pattern, and texture eventually became a full-time dedication to printmaking, collage, and design.

A self-taught colorist, Penny creates vibrant handprinted papers for abstract collage and monoprints, bringing together bold colors, striking contrasts, and layered patterns. Her designs invite the viewer in for a closer look to discover what lies beneath the surface.

Penny lived in New York City, Boulder, Austin, and San Francisco before settling in Tucson. Her travels have long included visits to museums and local galleries, and she is especially drawn to Abstract Expressionism and Fauvism.