Michiel Kranendonk - Bois Perdu

Michiel Kranendonk's color woodcuts are characterized by their atmospheric depiction of light, weather conditions, and atmospheric effects. His graphic work focuses strongly on nature and quintessential Dutch scenes.

The main characteristics, subjects, and techniques of his color woodcuts are:

1. Subjects and Themes His prints are primarily inspired by the Dutch landscape and the elements of water and sky.
Common, beloved themes are: The Wadden Area: Vast landscapes, the dynamics of ebb and flow, and reflections on the water.
Rivers and waterways: Where the reflection of the sky plays a major role.
Skaters: Typical winter scenes on natural ice, captured in atmospheric light.


2. Technique and Working Method Kranendonk uses a specific, artisanal method to build up his layered prints:


Iris printing: To create a great sense of depth in elements such as a river or a vast sky, he applies the iris printing technique. In this process, colors on the ink roller gradually blend from dark to light, resulting in smooth color transitions or effects such as low-hanging mist.


3. Every print a unique piece within the edition Although woodcuts are printed in an edition, Kranendonk experiments extensively with color and tone during the printing process. By varying ink colors within the same edition, a sky can be wintry gray in one print and nocturnal blue in another. As a result, the mood and weather conditions change with each print, making every print a unique piece in a certain sense.