I have been working as a professional artist printmaker since the mid 1970s. When making an etching, I work on location, taking my copper plate to the place where I draw with an etching needle onto the metal plate while observing my subject. I return to the location on different days and under varying weather conditions, each time pulling something new from the subject. With each etching, I try to capture the essence of a place, creating something that is more than a simple representation. I attempt to look into the heart and capture a place's soul. There is a connection that occurs between my hand, eyes, brain and the subject.

There is much that also occurs in my studio. I etch the plates, using varying amounts of time in the acid to control the depth of the etched line. In addition to line etching, I work with other approaches. Aquatint, sugar lift, soft ground and drypoint are all techniques that I use frequently and am comfortable with.

All images © Larry Welo

I make all of my own prints. When printing an etching, I manipulate and control the amount of ink on the plate's surface, creating subtle variations of value by leaving varying amounts of ink tone on the copper. The plate is, in a sense, like a musical score with each print pulled being a performance of that score. The touch that I have in printing my work is something that cannot be duplicated by another's hands. The etchings that I make are my own personal statement. I look at one of my plates as a framework for variations and nuances that I am able to make while creating the printed image.

Norwegian art critic Asmund Thorkildsen said, in reviewing my work, "The quality of these pieces is a result of light and atmospheric tension Welo is able to create through great control of the etching process."

DEMONSTRATION:
I will be happy to explain my process to visitors and show how I make my etchings.

STUDIO ACCESS: There are two steps going up to the front door and into the gallery. A stairway goes up to the second floor where the main studio/workspace is located.

Welo Studio, 2969 Main Street (PO Box 81), Blue Mounds, WI 53517 | 608-437-6838 | welostudio@aol.com