The finished print

I finally finished the final layer on my "Cascade Falls" print. It takes so long to complete these highly detailed prints, as I have to hand print each of the 16 prints for each color layer. I think this print has about 8 different color values in it, so that's 128 individual pieces of paper that must be rubbed with a baren and wooden spoon. A printing press produces a quicker, more even print, but I like the ability to control the pressure on individual areas of the block. 

I use Akua Intaglio inks for most of my prints. They are made with soy oil, and can be cleaned easily with soap and water. I use diluted Dawn detergent for cleaning, as it cuts the greasiness of the inks. 

The prints take time to dry thoroughly, so I leave them hanging for a week or more, then I stack them in my print drawers with paper in between each sheet. The more layers, the longer it takes for drying.

A close up of the block near the end of carving

The last layer on this print is a mixture of Mars Black and Burnt Umber. 

I'll be posting this print in my Etsy shop, JGTentas when it's dry enough to package up.

Have a great week!!

Progress on "Cascade Falls" Print and Welcome Autumn

 I've been busy working on the current reduction block print of the Cascade Falls trail in Waterville Valley, NH. There are so many leaves, rocks, and other textures to carve away, that it's taking a long while to fully complete! It seems that the more prints I work on, the more complex and intuitive the process becomes. I'm fully hand printing each layer, which allows for more control of pressure in specific areas, but it also slows down the printing of each stage of the image. I have also been switching to a slightly heavier and whiter BFK printmaking paper, that holds up better to multiple color layers.

Here are a few photos of the ongoing progress.

yellow tones added to background

mixing ink for a layer of green

more green

The printing plate with brown ink

The brown layer

more green

This is the state of the print today. I have to carve away all the areas that I want to stay the current colors. I think there will be just one more layer of a dark neutral gray, which will define all of the darkest shadows.

Sunflowers blooming in the yard! Happy Autumn!

Cascade Falls Block Print

 It's hard to believe that it is September 1st already. The summer flies by so fast, and this is my second year of not having to go back to teaching.  I miss my colleagues, and the kids, but I'm happy to be retired! I really enjoy being able to work in my studio, attend the morning classes at the gym, and have some flexibility in my schedule! 

I just started working on a new print of the Cascade Falls Trail in Waterville Valley, NH. I went hiking recently, during a weekend attending the Women's Leadership Summit, a group connected with Plymouth State University. It was a great time, and we had a lot of fun being outdoors in the beautiful White Mountains.

I just love the rocks!

This is a Soft-Kut block with Sharpie marker.

I carved out the white areas, then printed a light blue first layer.

The second layer is a light gray. 

Now I will be carving out some of the gray areas for the rocks. There are so many tones on the rocks, I'm not sure how many layers it will take to define them. I also think I'll be carving and printing the foreground rocks separately from the greens of the forest in the background.

Stay tuned!