Birch Tree Print

Another semester of Printmaking at NHIA has begun, and I'm busy working on a new sunflower print. Only printed one layer so far, and I'm carving away those areas so I can print layer two.

I did finish the Birch tree block print last week. I printed on black Strathmore paper using Akua inks. The black paper underneath gives the inks a bit different tone. I had done another similar design a few years ago for a print exchange, and I didn't have any left. This one is a little bigger using an 8" x 10" EasyCut block.

Same prints-just a little variation in the colors

I'm not anxious to see this view out my window anytime soon. We're having a very humid and mild weekend here. It doesn't feel like October! When you live in New England, they say, "just wait a minute and it will change." 

New Prints in the Studio

Ever since I converted Daughter #2's bedroom into my studio, I have been enjoying my new space. Before, I was kind of spread out into several rooms in the house. Now I am able to store most of my materials in one place, and use the area for projects I am working on. I also have a nice view of the back yard! Here's an image of my current printmaking projects in progress...

"Prints of the Year" Show

These are the two pieces that I am entering in the 2014 "Prints of the Year" exhibit, curated by Parker Potter, at the Robert Lincoln Levy Gallery in Portsmouth NH. The show runs from January 2--January 31.

Both prints are reduction block prints made from soft-cut blocks, hand-printed using Akua inks.
The sunflower print has 6 layers and the birch trees print has 4 but is printed on black paper.

Here are the beginning stages of the sunflower print. Fortunately I was able to take pictures of gorgeous  sunflowers on my walks around town last summer.

The birches print was made last spring for a "print exchange" that I participated in through "The Sketchbook Project".

The Opening Reception is on Friday January 3 from 5--8 pm. If the weather cooperates, I'll be there!

"Birches" in progress

I've been working on the "Birches" print for a few weeks, and am getting close to the last layer of ink. Here are a few images of my progress. I have a deadline of April 30th to get it in the mail for the Sketchbook Project Print Exchange. Good thing I have this week off from work!

This is hand-printed on black Canson paper with Akua inks using a "soft-cut" block.