Exposing The Dragon

screen 4

 

After the block printing over the weekend, I moved on to the next phase of the multi-media print designed by the artist Jamie Reid. I worked with Kara Seaman at Swansea Print Workshop to coat two silkscreens with Azocol photosensitive solution and after they dried, exposed them each with a transparency in the UV Unit.

 

 

Once they had been exposed for 2 minutes, they were washed to develop the image and then into the drying cupboard. Next stage is to do some colour tests and a couple of trial proofs – tomorrow ….

dragons-revenge

 

I’m developing an edition of mixed media prints for GS Artists from an original by Jamie Reid. There is a great exhibition of his work running until March 1st and here’s some more info about the show and the prints, which will be in a limited edition of 75.

 

And …… Print

print 2

The little lino block is finished, the paper is cut, the work station is set up, so today I started printing using Cranfield Caligo Safewash relief ink in black onto Hahnemuehle paper. It’s underway!!!!!

print 1

 

I’m developing an edition of mixed media prints for GS Artists from an original by Jamie Reid. There is a great exhibition of his work running until March 1st and here’s some more info about the prints, which will be in a limited edition of 75.

dragons-revenge

Finishing The Lino Block

stamp 1

I made the finishing touches to my little lino block “Revenge” today, removing lino from around the edge and cutting it down to size.

stamp 2

Then I cut the paper. I sourced a lovely sheet of Hahnemulle German paper, 230gsm, that’s a perfect weight and a lovely velvety surface. I’ll get nearly 80 pieces from it. I had kept the paper rolled so once I cut all those tiny pieces, I stacked them under a weight to flatten them ….. my antique stoneware hot water bottle. Storm Ciara is on the way so I hope the temperature doesn’t drop too much otherwise Husb and I are going to be chilly without our hottie.

 

I’m developing an edition of mixed media prints for GS Artists from an original by Jamie Reid. There is a great exhibition of his work running until March 1st and here’s some more info about the prints, which will be in a limited edition of 75.

dragons-revenge

First Proofing

ink 2

I did some first proofs from my little lino today, using Cranfield Caligo Safewash relief ink onto four different papers. From the bottom – Hosho, Zercall, Somerset and Bockingford. The Hosho was printed by hand, it’s so fine that I can press the back with my finger and it lifts the ink. The Zercoll was printed using the back of a wooden spoon and the other two with the lovely Columbian press at Swansea Print Workshop.

These first proofs check on the cutting, that it’s finished, and also which paper suits it best.

dragons-revenge

I’m developing something for GS Artists on Swansea’s High Street which is currently showing an exhibition of works by the anarchist punk artist Jamie Reid.

Some Of My Sketchbooks

Just some of them, just a few…. I can’t resist them ……

sketchbooks

Scribbling At Speed

sunday dinner

Sometimes there’s a lot of pressure to always turn out a ‘proper’ drawing but I don’t think that’s what sketchbooks are for. Artists need to practice, just as musicians do and my sketchbook is, for me, a great way to practice. Speed drawing helps to hone skills, forcing you to focus on what’s absolutley vital in the subject. I scribbled this in about a minute earleir today when I was having a pub lunch. The father and his little girl were at the bar and I had to work quickly to catch something as the child was excited and rushing around. I used a ballpoint pen into my A6 sketchbook.

Slow Work

cutting 4

The reality of making a work of art, cutting away at a small lino block using a very small tool and making the tiniest of cuts while hoping that I don’t cut the wrong bit. It’s slow work.

cutting 5

I won’t try to cut every last detail at the first go, I’ll cut close but not right up to the edges and then check to see if it needs more cutting.

cutting 6

I put a piece of tracing paper over the design and rubbed it gently with a soft 2B pencil so I can see how the cutting is going.

Carry On Cutting

cutting 3a

I carried on cutting from my brown lino today, the first stage of a collaborative print with GS Artists and Jamie Reid.

Nephew In A Hoodie

Nathan 2020

Nephew in a hoodie. Like it says on the tin. Drawn with a ballpoint pen into my A6 sketchbook. He’s so cute!

Finally ….. Again ……

prints

I know I said a few days ago that I woudn’t post any more Mari Lwyds until next year, but then I found the little lino I cut before Xmas and forgotten about. So I printed up a few today at Swansea Print Workshop, using Caligo Cranfield Safe Wash ink in black onto Hosho paper. I used the back of a wooden spoon to take the print.

 

The lino block cut ready to print
Taking the print with the back of a wooden spoon