In an exhibit featured in early 2016, photographer Robert Rodriguez Jr. included his recent landscape works at the Bank Square Coffee House in Beacon, NY. The exhibition presented a series of 11 large format prints onto 1” thick Gatorfoam board.

Rodriguez explains, “Because there’s no glass on the prints, it gives them a depth and richness that I love, and it’s my favorite way of displaying my work when I don’t intend to sell the actual pieces-I take custom orders for anyone that is interested in buying.”

The images were printed on both a Canson Infinity Printmaking Rag and a Canson Platine Fibre Rag. Rodriguez printed and mounted his works himself. In fact, he created a how-to YouTube video demonstrating his methods for mounting on Gatorfoam board.

“There’s something special about holding a print in your hands that makes it feel organic and natural. That’s the same effect I want to achieve on the wall, and I think it works great,” Rodriguez further explains.

In contrast to other artists we’ve featured who utilize Dibond aluminum composite for their photographic and fine art prints, Rodriguez utilizes Gatorfoam for his temporary works, not ones in which he intends to sell. Gatorfoam is lightweight but rigid, offering a great substrate for temporary art prints.

“First, the visual presentation was the primary focus, and there’s no question printing and mounting this way looks great. Second, none of us are concerned about relative longevity. We’ll probably replace it in a few years, so the tradeoffs are well worth it. It also doesn’t receive any direct sunlight, so UV is not a big problem.”

As a landscape photographer, his art focuses on the compelling context of nature. The non-profit, Scenic Hudson, exclusively features his works as the organization is dedicated to the conservation of the Hudson Valley, a common theme of his pieces. Rodriguez is also an author, sharing his knowledge of digital printing, photography and the arts in workshops, seminars and online training courses.

all photography and information courtesy of Robert Rodriguez Jr.