KAREN CALKINS RAGUS
Medium: Monotype is a painterly one of a kind of print. To create a monotype Ragus manipulates oil base inks onto a plexiglass and then transfers the image onto paper using an etching press. Since no image has been incised or otherwise permanently fixed to the plate, as in other print mediums, the image cannot be repeated exactly, and only one monoprint can be made. She almost always works back into the print with pastels, paints, metal leaf and drawing materials of various kinds.
About the Exhibit: The monotype artwork of Karen Calkins Ragus is currently on display at the WSRC (108 Ingraham Hall). Karen is a graduate of UW-Madison, and she has also
studied at the Peninsula Art School, Door County, WI, and the Santa Fe Printmaking Center in New Mexico. She has won several awards for her art. Her monotypes on display are concentrated on color systems along with strong line and shape to create action and movement in every piece.
Karen Calkins Ragus says of her collection:
"In this collection I have concentrated on fun playful color systems along with strong lines and shapes to create action and movement in every piece. I make art for fun and for the visual enjoyment of it. I just want you to enjoy the work and be happy!"
