By Claudia Loucks
Geneseo Current

Geneseo RutabagA Art Gallery member Joyce Mattan shows examples of cyanotype art, created by Jeanne Coulter O’Melia of Princeton. O’Melia will teach a class in cyanotype print-making from 1 to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at RutabagA, 108 North State St. Cost is $10 per person which includes materials. Participants are asked to bring latex gloves and a smock; pressed flowers, ferns, flat evergreens such as arborvitae, etc.; pieces of lace paper or crocheted dollies, old photograph negatives or x-rays, and anything opaque enough to block out the sun. O’Melia added, “Participants also should bring a good imagination!” For more information about the class, call RutabagA at 309-944-4994. Claudia Loucks Photo

ABOUT JEANNE COULTER O’MELIA

At Iowa State University, O’Melia studied metal work, charcoal and pastel drawings and watercolor. At Augustana, she took metal casting and life drawing and spent one week at The Clearing, Ellison Bay, WI. O’Melia also has taken classes at the Geneseo Art League.

“Creating artwork in a variety of media continues to be a major joy of my life!” she said. “Whether in clay, painting, papier mache, sculpture or cyanotype prints, life experiences fuel my imagination and are reflected in my artwork. I enjoy life drawing.”

She uses pen and ink in her travels, at concerts and in church, or at footraces and biking events, and she added…”I have filled dozens of sketch books. Some drawings become cyanotype prints or acrylic paintings. Watercolors are always plein air. When working with clay, I usually make figures, animals or containers. I have also made two small ceramic finger labyrinths. Papier mache becomes people or animals.”

In 2012, she moved back to her childhood home on a farm north of Princeton and she said, “I’m discovering old photos and toys I played with and art work I made as a child. It’s a whole new source of inspiration!”