Hummingbirds are Back

 It's the last day in May, and I've got a new print to show! I'm happy to say the hummingbirds are back, both in the yard, and as a block print.

For the print I only used 3 colors of the Akua inks--Magenta Red, Naples Yellow, and Phthalo  Blue. These colors are set of primary colors, which can be mixed together to make variety of other colors. I wanted to stay away from using black or white ink for this print, and to experiment with the three I chose.  

I first carved out the white areas on the bird's breast, and printed the background color. This is an edition of 18, using a 4" x 4" Soft-Kut block, that I order from Blick. I then carved away the background color and printed the green. Then I carved out the green, an added the orange layer. I made a little stencil for the "Ruby Throated" area, and just rolled on the red through the stencil, so the color would only be there. For the darkest color, I mixed all three colors together.

Completed, the block can also be printed with one color, and hand-colored with watercolors!

A finished print, matted in an 8" x 8" white mat, backed by foam core, in a plastic sleeve, all ready to go in my Etsy shop ( JGTentas).

Have a Happy June!

Finishing up the Bobcat print!

 I wanted to post the Bobcat print that I've been working on for a while. When it is fully dry, I'll be putting it on my Etsy site, JGTentas. Because of the multiple layers of Akua ink I'm using, it can take longer to dry. Also, I find the consistency of some of the inks tend to be more oily than others, especially the burnt umber. You have to stir all the Akua inks thoroughly before using them, as the oil separates from the pigments. It's still my favorite ink because it stays workable for so long, and it cleans up easily with Dawn detergent.

"Bobcat" Reduction Block Print  Limited edition of 16

Looking forward to some warmer temperatures this month, to melt all the ice and snow of February!

Lily Pad Print

 Earlier this month I included a drawing of the "lily pad" print that I had started. The block size is 6" x 8" and is a soft-cut type. Since I don't have access to a printing press right now, I've had to use that type of plate for all my recent editions. I really love the easiness of carving, but it takes a bit of elbow grease to get the quality of the prints that I want. I use a baren and a wooden spoon to get the pressure needed. 

The first layer of ink was the green of the lily pads. I cut away the white areas first, as can be seen in the photo below.

In the next step, I carved out all the lily pads.

Then I created a blue blend for the water.

Layer 2-the water

The next step was to carve away the areas of water that I wanted to remain. The last layer is a deep blue to create the illusion of reflections on the water, and to define the shadows.

Final stage of block

The finished print

I matted the print in an 11" x 14" white mat, and it's ready to be posted on my Etsy shop. 

Finally, a little pop of color in the backyard!

Happy Earth Day on the 22nd!

 

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...