Bill Ritchie Work in the
Dennis Evans & Nancy Mee Collection
The Last Umbrella
(The above is a facsimile image in the Evans/Mee selections)
Print. 1967. Engraving, aquatint, relief and stencil print. Image 12 X 18 in printed on 16 3/4 X 23 in Rives BFK White paper. State IV, Number within this state not available. Signed lower right.
Artist's commentary: Engraving, for me, is a slow process. I love detail, and the distinct smart lines. I started the plate in San Jose in 1966. The cat-like image is based on an old cat we had named Tristan. Months later I resumed the engraving in Seattle and I added a zinc plate for the upturned umbrella and the trees. With etching, I used aquatint and in the last states, relief "rainbow rolling" and a metal stencil. I can see now--writing about it over 40 years later--the print has autobiographical elements. Oh, the stories it tells me now!
See another Last Umbrella in a collection - click Dr. Raye Lyle's page.