Back to the Drawing Board

Morrison House Presents: Carolyn Dutky Romano, Torpedo Factory Artist

How does an artist conceive the images she uses in her work? How does she go from a simple sketch to a finished print? Printmaker Carolyn Romano will describe and demonstrate her process using her sketch diaries to explain the genesis of her work. These sketches form the basis for her prints.

To Romano, the physical act of sketching is as important creatively as the finished drawing. The sketch exists not only on the paper but in the artist’s body and mind’s eye. Romano explains, "In order to sketch something you must identify with the subject and become the subject in a certain sense, maintaining its identity while the subject continues to move and shift position. This is true of people at the Metro or musicians in concert or especially animals that are in constant movement. You must quickly capture the gesture..." During this salon discussion, Ms. Romano will be happy to answer questions and provide a rare glimpse into the mind of an artist at work. 

Carolyn Dutky Romano studied printmaking under Pompeyo Audivert in Tucuman, Argentina. He introduced her to the technique of the monocopia that she now uses in her work. She has been a resident artist in the print studio of the Montpelier Arts Center as well as the Torpedo Factory Art Center for over 20 years. Her work has been shown both internationally and locally. She was selected for a solo exhibition by The Art League Gallery and was commissioned to create a monotype for the cover of a CD by saxophonist Buck Hill and most recently for jazz pianist Dick Morgan.

More About the Series
This series of monthly talks is sponsored by the Torpedo Factory Artists’ Association, the Alexandria Archaeological Commission, and the Morrison House Hotel. The talks take place on the first Tuesday of each month. Cocktails will be available for purchase through The Grille at Morrison House Hotel, and dinner reservations can be made for guests who would like to continue their experience following the event.

About Morrison House
The Morrison House, a Kimpton Hotel, is an elegant boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Town, Alexandria.  Named an outstanding hotel on Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008 Gold List, the hotel exhibits the romance of Europe and the charm of Early America through its decorative federalist-style reproductions. The architecture blends into the historic surrounding of Alexandria, while its warmly lit rooms, soft music, and outstanding cuisine define an experience that is graceful and effortless. The AAA Four Diamond property also features The Grille, an intimate restaurant that serves a menu of relaxed American fine dining. The hotel is located at 116 South Alfred Street, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 838-8000.