Print of Original Art: "Chicken" Drawing on Torn Dictionary Page
Humorous "Chicken" drawing of barnyard chicken and (mostly) chicken bones.
Each print is a reproduction of a hand drawn illustration created directly on top of a torn dictionary page. My process begins by selecting a word, and tearing that page *very* carefully out of the dictionary. I then create a pen and ink drawing directly on top of the torn page, which is colored in with prismacolor colored pencils and gouache. The accompanying word from the dictionary page is added in either pen or colored pencils.
I am *not* simply reproducing vintage or repurposed prints on a page but creating original, hand drawn works of art. I then use my original artwork to create a digital print.
The original dictionary pages are approximately 6.5" x 9.5" although the size varies due to the tearing process. The final image is printed with a white border on 8.5" x 11" 100 lb matte card stock. All prints are signed and dated, and packaged in a clear cello envelope.
Matted prints are also available for $30. They are also printed on 8.5" x 11" 100 lb matte cardstock, and matted with solid cream matte with posterboard backing. The final size including the matte is 11" x 14" for easy framing.
*Copypright and all rights reserved by the artist.
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How did I get started creating hand-drawn dictionary pages?
The project began in 2015 while teaching a freshman Intro to Design class. Our school library was undergoing construction, and we were downsizing the collection - and that meant most of the dictionaries had to go! When I learned of this, I started looking online for projects involving dictionaries or dictionary pages and stumbled on the idea of dictionary page illustrations. While creating a demo page for my students, I fell in love with the process! My students also created some amazing works, and I was inspired by their creativity. Ever since then, I have been drawing on dictionary pages like crazy!
Many of my dictionary page illustrations are also available as greeting cards. Please check out the rest of my store at https://www.etsy.com/shop/gallerymaia.