The Heron Print, next stage...

I've been working on this print for a while, but I think I'll be finished this week. The image above is the stage that I'm at right now. I just printed the brown layer, and I am carving the block in preparation for the final one, which will be black. I'm using a "gomuban" plate which is softer than linoleum, but harder than easy-cut. I like the material because I can use a printing press, and get more consistent colors overall. The easy-cut doesn't work well with the press as it can get squished and distorted by the pressure.

On my winter break this week, so it's nice to have some flexible time to get a few projects completed!!

Another layer...

I added another layer of ink to the "Heron" print that I've been working on this semester. There will be two more layers of ink before I am completely finished. At this point I need to cut away the parts of the plate that I want to remain that darker green color.

Busy week ahead with three days of work, then a day off before Christmas! Looking forward to Christmas day itself, not so much the things that need to be done before. Enjoyed the traditional carols at church this morning, as well as a sweet children's choir. Brings one back to the reasons for the celebration!

New block print---Great blue Heron

I've been working on a new block print using a Gomuban relief plate. This plate is softer than a linoleum block and harder than Easy-cut. I have been using a printing press for this, and it prints great with the Akua inks. McClain's Printmaking Supplies sells it.

It's a little dark here, but I've cut out areas for the second layer.

                           Here's a close-up of the heron (above) and the original sketch (below)

This is the first color layer. The lines are from a Sharpee marker I used to cover over the pencil lines on the block before I started cutting. They fade away on subsequent prints, but remain dark enough to see on the plate.

Here's Wiley--my steady companion who wants to hang out and "help" whenever I'm working!