Nature’s Impressions: Art in the Summer Sun
- Hadia Miriam
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
On June 21st, with the sun shining bright at nine in the morning, dedicated members of the Des Plaines Art Gallery gathered at the Izaak Walton League to Print-make with Nature. Using leaves, flowers, and other found objects tucked away in the forests, these talented artists lifted the natural world onto paper, from handmade cards and stationery to unique collage materials.
With each press of a leaf, intricate lines, and patterns came to life, showing the delicate yet beautiful surroundings in our Des Plaines. Members proved that creativity blooms best when rooted in nature, and even a quiet, blazing hot morning can blossom into a vibrant and memorable artistic experience.
What is Print-Making?
Printmaking is a form of art that involves transferring an image from one surface onto another—most commonly from a carved or prepared block onto paper or fabric. Unlike drawing or painting directly on a surface, printmaking allows artists to create multiple copies, or "prints," of the same design while still retaining unique textures and artistic flair. Traditional printmaking techniques include relief printing (like linocuts or woodcuts), intaglio (such as etching), lithography, and screen printing. Artists also experiment with modern tools and natural materials—like leaves or textured objects—to make creative, one-of-a-kind prints. It’s a beautiful blend of design, technique, and creativity that makes art accessible and reproducible without losing its soul.
Nancy Corry, a dedicated member of the DPAG stated "Rhonda always shares her knowledge and enthusiasm. We gathered plants, leaves, flowers, stems, and more. We rolled out oil-based acrylics on a sheet of acrylic with a brayer, then rolled the brayer over the plant items, which were pressed onto paper or cloth. These pieces can be turned into collages or mixed media artwork"
Nancy’s words perfectly captured the spirit of the morning — quiet creativity, community connection, and the joy of learning something hands-on. The atmosphere was rich with inspiration and appreciation for nature’s beauty.
Nature's Beauty Revealed
As a student volunteer, seeing the passion behind every piece reminded me of how art brings our community together. It wasn’t just an exhibit — it was a celebration of Des Plaines itself.
This free event was sponsored by the Izaak Walton League.
Thank you to all who made this event a success. Stay tuned for our upcoming Newsletter, and follow the Des Plaines Art Guild for more creative moments!
Now, if you could ever print with any natural material, what would it be?
Flowers & Leaves
Feathers
Tree Bark
Something Else!?
Interested in reading more about past DPAG events?
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