My work consists of monotype (single print) backgrounds that are then collaged with other printed material. All materials are hand printed by the artist using etching inks, Rives BFK archival paper, and Japanese and decorative rice papers. The basic process begins with the printing of the background paper. This ranges from a simple color and texture combination to layers and layers of color and many passes through the press. After the background is printed I choose from the vast palette of my printed collage papers or I may print more if none are suitable. Subject and design happen in response to the background. Color is of utmost importance. I lay out many different possibilities until the result has the right feel of movement, rhythm, and mood. At this point the papers are glued down. I enjoy using a simple motif such as bottles or figures and then abstracting it. Lately I have experimented with completely abstract work. I count among my influences my mother, Miriam French Batchelor, who studied with both Anni and Josef Albers, and many other collage artists and colorists such as Picasso, Stuart Davis, and Romare Bearden.

Linda Batchelor, 2003

About the Artist

Education:

The University of Massachusetts (ceramics and primitive ceramics),1987 and 1989.
Maryland Institute of Art (graduate studies in drawing, figure drawing, and fiber art), 1975-1976.
Brown University (B.A. in studio art) 1973.




Recent Exhibitions:

"Linda Batchelor: Collage and Monotype Retrospective", Reed Fine Arts Center, The Williston-Northampton School, Easthampton, MA. 2005
"One of a Kind", Juried Exhibition at The Canal Gallery, Holyoke MA. Juror: Dwight Pogue. 2004
Artworks Gallery Open Juried Show, Hartford, CT. Juror: Paul Clabby. 2004
Cambridge Art Association National Prize Show, Cambridge, MA. Juror: Marc Pachter, National Portrait Gallery, Washington, D.C. Honorable Mention. 2003
Duxbury Art Association at the Ellison Center for the Arts. Juror: Cynthia Nartonis. Juror's Commendation Award. 2002.
15th Parkside National Small Print Exhibition, Univ. of Wisconsin. Jurors: Frances Myers and Warrington Colescott. 2002.
The Francis N. Roddy Open Competition, Concord, MA. Juror: Barbara Krakow.2001.
"The Unique Print", Liebig Gallery, Mystic, CT. Juror: Barbara Pagh. 2001.
MGNE Exhibition at Sharon Arts Ctr., Peterborough NG. Jurors: K. Hart, Hood Museum, and Randall Hoel, curator Sharon Arts Ctr. Award: 2nd prize. 2000.
"Recent Monotypes and Collages" solo show at the Forbes Gallery, Northampton, MA. 2000.
"Evidence of Feminism: Exhibit A", show and installation, Wheeler Gallery, The University of Massachusetts. 2000.

Other:

Affiliations: Monotype Guild of New England. Past Member and President, Valley Women Artists. Women Caucus for Arts.
Grants: Northampton Education Foundation and Maryland 1% for Arts Commission, Baltimore City College