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!!

A Little Traveling, and the End of September

 I'm back from a five day trip to New Jersey with a few friends. We had to postpone our travels earlier in the year due to Covid, so masks and hand sanitizer in hand, we gave ourselves the go-ahead to venture out into the world again. We brought all our own food and drink, and had the most delicious meals in our lovely rental home! Rented bikes for quick access to local scenic areas, and social distanced on the beach. Lots of laughs as always, and an added appreciation of our over 40 year friendship.

Cape May lighthouse in the distance

A flock of mostly Black Skimmers mixed in with a few terns and gulls

       A Snowy Egret framed by foliage

Peaceful harbor

And the iconic lifesaving rowboat 

Now that I'm back home again, it's time to organize the studio, order new supplies and materials, and get working on the prints and other projects, I have on my agenda.

The final layer of ink is on the reduction block print, "Goffstown Brook." I carved out more of the background trees, and deepened the color value of the closer areas, for a little more sense of depth. The image is 8" x 10" and should be posted in my Etsy shop soon.

Can't believe it is going to be October 1st tomorrow! Time flies!

Lobster Print

I just posted my new "lobster" print on my Etsy shop. I'm really excited about a new block printing material that I used for this project. I used a Gomuban plate that I've learned is a regular staple in Japanese classrooms. It's much softer than linoleum, but firmer than Easy-cut. It carves beautifully and can be printed using a press. Most of my other prints are printed by hand using the Easy-cut blocks, but this material is definitely something that I'm going to explore. The thickness of the Gomuban is only about an 1/8 of an inch, with blue on one side and green on the other, with a black core. The Akua inks that I used for the lobster print went onto the block nice and thin. Using a template on the press as well as pins and tabs, gave me strong color and excellent registration.

Plate on left with 2 color print stage on right

Final stage, wrapped and ready to go!

I'm also in the middle of another printing project using an Easy-cut block of a rushing stream. My daughter took the photo, but she is not sure exactly where it was taken---somewhere north of Plymouth.  It's similar to another mountain stream piece I finished recently. The Easy-cut is handy when I'm working at home without a printing press.

Feeling like summer is flying by way to quickly! So many projects, so little time!

*McClain's Printmaking Supply Catalog carries the Gomuban plates, and will send a free sample if requested.

Tulip Prints

Just finished printing the final layer of my "tulip" print this morning. I'm finding the smaller, card-sized designs are no less time consuming than a larger image. I ended up using a magnifying glass to carve out the final areas with the smallest gouge carving tool. I will post the sequence of color layers that made up this 4 color reduction block print.

There is a light yellow first layer, and a deeper yellow layer second layer.

A light green layer

                                                           A fourth and final dark green layer.

The finished design!

Once the ink dries completely, I will package up the cards and their envelopes and put some in my Etsy shop. I'm trying to decide what to work on next---something bigger I think. I especially like doing landscapes, seascapes, and rocks, as well as birds and flowers.

I've been enjoying the beautiful summer weather we've been having! It's really nice to bring my studio out onto our screened-in porch, so I can enjoy the gardens and hear the the birds. One of the birdhouses has a noisy brood of House Wrens. The parents are flying in non-stop with food for the babies. Hopefully they'll fledge soon before the poor parents get completely exhausted! My husband has been working like a fiend too---weeding and planting his perennial gardens. The yard looks great, and is definitely an inspiration.