Two of my Favorite Adirondack Venues Are the Inspiration for my Linocuts

The Adirondacks offer a unique blend of mountains and lakes that have inspired countless artists. For me, these mountains and lakes are not just a backdrop but a source of creative energy that shapes my linoleum block prints. In this post, I will share how two  locations in the Adirondacks influenced my work and walk you through the process I use to bring these natural scenes to life through printmaking.

Choosing the Adirondack Locations

The Adirondacks cover over six million acres of protected land, offering endless inspiration. I focused on two of my favorite places: Marcy Field and The Great Sacandaga Lake. Each location has distinct features that translate well into the reduction printmaking process.

● Marcy Field is my favorite place to take in great views of the high peaks while walking my dog on a perfectly level trail.  Marcy Field is located in the hamlet of Keene Valley along route 73. It always amazes me that the field is so flat and suddenly the mountains rise above it. The scenery is always beautiful whether it is sunny and bright or dark  clouds sink down around the peaks.

● The Great Sacandaga Lake is located in the southeastern Adirondacks. It’s a beautiful, peaceful place to swim, sail, fish, or paddle. It is  one of  the largest lakes in the Adirondack park, with a  variety of picturesque views from  different locations. I travel to Northville annually for the Fine Art and Woodworking Show in July and always enjoy the scenery.

How the Adirondacks Inspire My Art

Nature’s beauty encourages me to use a variety of cutting techniques to depict the myriad of textures and colors in the landscapes.  The changing seasons and weather motivate me to create a series of prints showcasing the effect of atmosphere on the scenes .

I often visit the same spot multiple times to observe how light and color shift.  The textures and patterns of  treebark and leaves, ripples on water, and rocky surfaces inspire the textures I carve into the linoleum.  I consider myself an Impressionist; I constantly study the effect of light on a landscape over different seasons and times of day. I use a Japanese technique called a rainbow roll in these panoramic views to enhance the illusion of space in the image.

This technique also allows me to print more than one color simultaneously. For example, I print the green of the grass and the blue of the sky in a single pass using a large brayer.

Bringing the Adirondacks Home Through Art

Linoleum block prints allow me to share the Adirondacks’ beauty in a tangible form. Each print captures a moment in time and a place that holds personal meaning. Whether displayed on a wall or given as a gift, these prints connect viewers to the natural world and invite them to appreciate the Adirondacks’ unique charm.

If you have a favorite place, I do commission work as well. Please contact me to learn more. Nature offers endless details and stories waiting to be told through art. I would love to make your beloved location a cherished memento.