Blue Big Sur 1976

Eyvind Earle made this print, Blue Big Sur, with gouache, a type of opaque watercolor paint. Look closely, and you'll see the layers of color defining the cliffs, trees, and sea. Earle achieved this smooth, almost mechanical effect through serigraphy, also known as screen-printing. Serigraphy is a process where ink is pushed through a fine mesh onto the printing surface, creating vibrant colors and crisp edges. Earle wasn't just a painter; he was a master printmaker who adopted techniques from commercial design. These methods allowed for precise reproduction and clean lines, defying the traditional expectation of hand-made art. Earle's commercial work in Hollywood animated films is part of this story. By embracing these methods, Earle blurred the lines between fine art and commercial design, elevating what was once considered a craft to a form of high art. His choices reflect a shift in how we perceive artistic skill and labor, questioning traditional hierarchies.