Two Abstract Prints for Spring + Summer
If you would’ve told me a few years ago I’d have a handful of abstract prints available I would’ve flipped, and I also would’ve had a few hard questions for you… Art prints were never a big part of my business “vision” when I started The Honest Brush in 2015, but like anything else in life there are creative and “make it right for you” ways to approach everything.
For prints, it’s all in the details, and I love the way these spring/summer prints interact with the three we released last fall. I’m also really pleased with how they’ve been received. If you already have a print, will you shoot me a photo in an instagram message or email? I love to see how you’re framing and hanging them in your home.
A note about print release timelines:
I had originally planned to release these two prints for spring and then a few more at the beginning of summer. But after taking note of all the hours required for even a small launch, I’ve reconsidered my project timeline for the year. Being in studio and progressing my painting work is always the goal around here, so I have to be thoughtful with my schedule! Keep an ear out for new paintings over the summer, and our next print launch sometime this fall.
Photoshoot Thoughts: Abstract Prints Paired with Flowers
I wanted these prints to express springtime: to feel light and airy, spacious and breathable, and I wanted the photos to express that too. I usually grab things from around my house for shoots, and for this occasion, I snipped some pretty stems from our yard (hello, Hellebore) and picked up a few varieties (mostly Astrantia) from a local Nashville flower shop. 🌷
As someone who loves color theory, it was VERY fun to see each print with different flowers. Some of my initial flower/print pairings didn’t jive well, so it was fun to figure out what worked with the tones in each. Both prints have large / subtle geometric shapes: one an arch + one a rectangular shape, and I love the way this is contrasted by small, organic flower details.
1. “Make Elms” Canvas Print — originally a 36x48 in. mixed media painting
For the first print, the original painting was started in early 2021 and finished in late February 2021. The title “Make Elms” is a reminder of small beginnings. Elm trees are grown by seed or propagated from cuttings—just simple sticks in the right soil can grow into future refuge/shade and upwards of 50 to 100ft. I love that, and the overarching form + warmth of this one.
Each print is printed on artist grade canvas and comes in three sizes: 18x24, 16x20, and 11x14 inches. Our prints include white borders, so no mat is required. You just need a frame the same size as the print. Our prints are intentionally made in standard frame sizes, so you can easily find a frame in your favorite store, boutique, or antique shop.
“Make Elms” 16x20 in. canvas print (print size includes white border)
The original painting gave me a tough time when I was working on it. I had a handful of large pieces I was working on at the same time, and it seemed to be the slowest going of the group. It later turned out to be one of my favorites from early 2021. The original painting was purchased by a close friend of mine (I love when this happens because I get to see paintings years + years later). Here’s a shot of the original ...
2. “Behind, Before” Canvas Print — originally a 30x36in. mixed media painting
Originally painted with gesso and oil paint on a 30x36 inch canvas. The painting was started in 2015 and finished in late 2016. The original’s title is “Untitled No. 3 (Behind + Before)” — the print version has been shortened a bit: “Behind + Before”. The original currently hangs in our home and is one of the only pieces I’ve hung onto over the years. At the time, I was almost exclusively working in REALLY muted tones (or let’s just say I was mostly mixing white with off-white). I loved that the pale pink and blue were a small step towards more color, and I still do!
Original
“Behind, Before” 16x20 in. canvas print (print size includes white border)
You’ll notice all prints are signed on the bottom right, titled on the bottom left, include white borders and are printed on flat canvas. I get asked a lot about if we build or sell frames for prints… not yet, we just make float frames for original paintings right now. And here’s a list of my favorite frames for canvas prints.
In conclusion, all prints are made to order, carefully packaged with a few extra goodies, and shipped in tubes! If you any have questions about prints or need something custom, don’t hesitate to reach out.
