Chicago Printmakers Collaborative: Dennis B. O’Malley

Past Exhibition

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Past Exhibition dates: September 12, 2021 – October 17, 2021

Artist: Dennis B. O’Malley

Dennis B. O’Malley specializes in intaglio printmaking. Etching and aquatint with chine-collé and hand coloring add to his style of hand-pulled prints. His subject matter is urban images and cityscapes of his favorite subject, the city of Chicago.

Dennis’s goal is to create Chicago Art that is identified and understood by an audience that can appreciate these locations. The image should bring a smile and a memory.

He grew up on the city’s North Side near the lake and spent his early years with the lakefront high rises and neighborhood parks as his backdrop. His pastime included pen and ink or pencil drawings of these scenes.

An admitted lifelong lover of the city of Chicago, he has always been interested in demonstrating that fondness through his art. In 1995, he was introduced to printmaking and the artists at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, especially Deborah Maris Lader, Margaret Buchen, and Duffy O’Connor. Printmaking in all forms became his focus and he has been working at the Collaborative ever since, focusing on Chicago scenes and those limitless possibilities.

Printmaking concentration can be in intaglio printing, monotypes, and Polaroid transfer. Dennis gravitates to the etching process, a form of intaglio printmaking, which began in the Middle Ages and was popularized by Durer, Rembrandt, and James Whistler.

Intaglio printing refers to lines etched or drawn into the surface of a metal plate (either zinc or copper). The plate is dipped in acid which etches the lines into the plate. Ink is rolled over the plate and then the plate and paper are run through the press, transferring the ink to the paper. Etching produces special aesthetic results because of the various choices of papers, inks, and printing techniques. Dennis usually finishes his pieces with watercolor and chine collé.

Dennis’s work is on display at the Chicago Printmakers Collaborative in Lincoln Square, and L. Marion Gallery in Wilmette. He is also represented at Sawbridge Studios in Glenview and at the Tall Grass Arts Association Gallery in Park Forest, Illinois.

Learn more about Dennis O’Malley at dennisbomalley.org.

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