Abigail Merickel

Abigail Merickel

About the Artist
Abigail  has been an award-winning painter and printmaker for over 20 years. She has taught foreign languages and fine arts to students of all ages and backgrounds. Her work has been in exhibitions in the Northwest. Website: www.abigailmerickel.com

Credentials:

Abigail earned a BFA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, Italy and has completed a MAT and teaching credential in Art and Spanish.  

For a printable and downloadable lesson plan please see below.

Residencies:

1. Block Printing from Nature
2. Observational Drawing and Watercolor
3. Japanese Bookbinding, Nature Printing & Haiku- Students learn a simple bookbinding technique to create their own book, embellishing it with twigs, beads, markers and colored pencils. They learn the history and uses of Nature Printing. Creating nature prints from leaves, feathers, etc. introduces them to the Principles of Design through their compositions. Japanese literature is explored when the students write their own haiku poetry complimenting their images.
4. Block Print Accordion Book- Students learn the printmaking technique of block printing. They design, carve and print a block print while learning art vocabulary, design and the history of art relevant to printmaking. Using classroom curriculum, students will form groups around a brainstormed theme. Each student will create a specific image as part of their group’s theme in creating a picture storyline book. Each group will work together printing a complete book for each member. 
5. *Ex –Libris: Art of the Bookplate- Students will design, carve and print their own ex-libris (bookplate). Book lovers from the 15th century on have marked ownership of their books with a design called an “ex libris”. Affixed to the inside cover, it includes the words “ex libris” (meaning from the library of) along with the owner’s name. The design may depict a family crest, a beloved animal or special interest. Inspired by historical images and information about Ex-libris, students will develop their own idea, learn the art vocabulary of design, and gain skills in printmaking techniques.