He uses primarily intaglio and wood cut techniques to illustrate the extraordinary in the world of nature.  each unique piece is developed with a Zen-like quality that captures the inner spirit of the subject.  Editioned pieces are created at a random pace, as inspiration is both spontaneous and unpredictable -- much like nature.  

Len has taken printmaking classes from a number of respected printmakers at the Lux Center for the Arts in Lincoln, Nebraska, with special emphasis placed on two printmaking techniques -- intaglio and wood cuts.  

 

The intaglio pieces are created using either copper or plexiglas plates.

Len Sloup is a printmaker from Lincoln, Nebraska, and is the creator of

Plum Creek Intaglio & Wood Cuts.

A copper plate is covered with asphaltum, a tar-like substance, and allowed to dry.  Images are then etched with tools onto the plate.  Next, the plate is placed in a chemical bath to etch the lines that have been drawn onto the plate.  The asphaltum keeps the chemical from affecting any of the non-etched areas of the plate.  The plate is then cleaned, inked and wiped, and images are printed on handmade or specialty paper with a press, which forces the ink out of the etched lines and onto the paper.  A similar process, with the exception of the chemical bath, occurs with a plexiglas plate.  

Each approach and the end product take their cues from nature.  Whether a very linear rendition of a redbud tree or a more abstract motif derived from fine foliage etchings, nature is always the primary influencer and at the core of each piece.  

 

The artist looks forward to sharing these works with you.

Wood cut processes are somewhat more straightforward.  Images are carved into a sheet of wood, inked and then printed on paper with the use of a pressure press, wooden spoon or barren.  A similar approach is taken in the monoprint process, which Len uses periodically in the development in his prints.