The art form practiced by of John and Deborah Koch is not a new, but what they do with it is what makes their Trout Lily Studios beyond remarkable
[dropcap]I[/dropcap]f the worlds of woods and garden are places that seem familiar, then their should invite you to take a closer look.
Working out of their studios located in the heart of Western Wisconsin farm country, the two artists have created an entire world of beauty by singularly capturing, with simple wood and linoleum blocks, the delicate petals of an apple blossom, the majesty of a towering cottonwood and the unmatched beauty of trouts.
The pair have mastered the art form at Reduction Woodcuts, Hand Colored Woodcuts, Moku Hanga Woodcuts, Whiteline Woodcuts, Engravings, Monotypes and more.
John Koch’s art has graced many sporting life magazine covers.
Here’s the Koch’s explanation of how a reduction print gets done:
“A reduction woodcut is printed from one block, no matter how many colors are eventually printed. Each color is printed one at a time, from lightest to darkest. Starting with the lightest color, the artist initially prints the entire print run.
After a color is printed, it is then carved out of the block, and the next darkest color is printed. There is no chance to go back and print the previous color. This process is repeated until the block has been carved away.”
To understand other processes that John and Deborah have become famous for, go to their website and learn more and be sure to watch video. Both fascinating . . .
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John and Deborah Koch
Trout Lily Studios
W4345 850th Ave.
Spring Valley, WI 54767
Email: johnanddeb@troutlillystudios.com
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“West Fork,” John Koch, Reduction Woodcut on Revere Silk #250 Paper.
“Red Wing Black Bird,” Deborah Koch, Hand-colored Woodcut on Revere Silk.
“Autumn Brookie,” John Koch, Reduction Woodcut on Sumi-E Mulberry Paper.
“Brookie Pool,” John Koch, Reduction Woodcut on Revere Silk #250 Paper.
