My mom, Katherine Pittman, was a lifelong, working artist. When she found herself on her own in her 40s, that’s how she supported herself – painting, drawing, teaching, and doing calligraphy. At one point, she got a commission to make colorful maps of towns in Texas, drawing all of the businesses and their logos in pen and ink, and coloring them with watercolor. I think some organization of Chambers of Commerce footed the bill. Some time ago, I was in Kerrville and I spotted one of these she had drawn, on the wall in a barbecue joint!  There was no signature to prove it, but her hand was unmistakeable.

Her best works were beautiful, expertly-executed, realistic paintings, many in watercolor. 

My new print is inspired by a watercolor sketch she did, in “false color”, of the Mora River in New Mexico. I think it was a sketch made on site. Since she is no longer around to give her input, I can’t really call it a collaboration, but I think she would approve! 

10 blocks, 16 layers, on Kitaro Kizuki (100% mulberry). If you are interested, get your copy here.

Here’s Katherine’s original watercolor sketch, probably on cold-pressed Arches (her fave) – just an unsigned sketch, not a finished painting. She did produce a finished piece, and if I can get a good photo I may post it later. It’s been hard for me to build up the saturated color in a block print that one can get from strong pigment and brush; something to work on.  And you can see I paid a lot of attention to the rocks in my version! I LOVE rocks 😉

Thank you Katherine! Miss you.