Proof Printing

I made the first cuts on my new vinyl block (while I was gallery-sitting at The Workers Gallery last weekend) and took a proof print. The first print off a new block always seems to be a bit ropey (it’s the one at the bottom right of the photo), so I took a second proofContinue reading “Proof Printing”

The First Cuts

Yesterday I posted about setting up to develop a linocut print while I was gallery-sitting at The Workers Gallery in Ynyshir. After I did an interim sketch from my original sketchbook drawing of a Neolithic standing stone, I transferred it (in reverse) to a piece of vinyl with a white conté crayon. I’m using vinylContinue reading “The First Cuts”

Starting From Scratch.

I spent last Saturday at The Workers Gallery in Ynyshir, a fabulous artist-led artspace in the Rhondda Valley. The two artists who run the gallery, Chris and Gayle, are taking a well-deserved holiday and a rota of gallery artists are taking turns to keep the gallery open. I took a load of drawing and printmakingContinue reading “Starting From Scratch.”

The End Of The Experiment

So here’s the last stage of my experimenting with home-made printing ink based on Nori (seaweed) paste. Above is a block cut into vinyl, inked with a roller (brayer) and the print taken with a traditional Japanese bamboo baren. I used a Daler Rowney cartridge / drawing paper, 95gsm and had better results with theContinue reading “The End Of The Experiment”

A Bit Of Vintage

And ….. back to my experiments with home-made printing ink. After disappointing results with a lightweight Japanese Hosho paper, I tried a lovely vintage British paper, J Green & Sons sold by the Vintage Paper Co. Above, I used the ink with a rubber stamp made from a design I did of the artist KätheContinue reading “A Bit Of Vintage”

Process, Process, Process.

Making art involves lots of processes, especially with something like printmaking. I made my own printing ink with Nori (seaweed) paste, ground mineral pigment, water and gin. But successful printmaking depends on so many different factors – the ink must be compatible with the printing block or plate and also with the paper. What makeContinue reading “Process, Process, Process.”

Paper Geekery

Yesterday I showed how to mix up printmaking ink with powdered mineral pigments, Nori (seaweed) paste, water and gin. But that’s just the beginning. Next I had to try the ink with different blocks and papers to see what gives the best result. My first experiment was with a simple vinyl block that I inkedContinue reading “Paper Geekery”

Seaweed And Gin

I have been experimenting with making a water-based printing ink, using a recipe from printmaker Shannon Yost published by Natural Earth Paint. There’s a comprehensive list of ingredients including Nori (seaweed) paste, powdered minerals and gin. The gin is for preserving the ink. Honest. 😀 Stage One completed. Tomorrow I’ll look at trying out differentContinue reading “Seaweed And Gin”

Experimenting

Here’s something else I’m about to experiment with at the moment. Nori paste, magnesium carbonate and powdered pigments. oooohhhhh!!!!!! The End Frame events are free entry but please book tickets for ‘Big Eyes’ from Cinema & Co.   I have put my series of drawings of ancient Welsh monuments on Artfinder.  If you want to seeContinue reading “Experimenting”