Art Nouveau

One genre of art of love is Art Nouveau. Art Nouveau (French for New Art) was in international art movement encompassing art, architecture and especially the applied arts. It arrived on the scene around the turn of the 20th century (1890–1905) with its signature nature motifs with curves and also geometric design. The artistic goal was to create a design which would work on anything from architecture to furnishings for the home thus fitting with everyday style. From Mucha's incredible advertisements to Guimard's subway architecture I love it all.

Inspired by several of my books on the subject including several Dover Publications books on Art Nouveau and the book Art Nouveau – Tile Designs from Pepin Press, here is the first block.

The print medium certainly lends itself to style very well. I used a 5 x 7 (15 x 10cm) block because I wanted to print a few blank cards up to write (you remember writing letters and mailing them through the Post Office surely) to friends. They worked up well and I'm pleased with them.

Hmmm what to do next. I'd like to challenge myself next time. I would definitely like to try layering. This would mean cutting the block several times and inking it in between cuts. I look at the instructions and my mind goes blank. "Wait, is the light area cut or not?" I'll have to treat the project like I'm working on algebra, over and over again till I get it right. lol