2 More Collagraphs

Wednesday morning and two more collagraphs to consider. I am realizing that my plates need to be constructed with thinner applications of modelling paste for impressions as they are difficult to ink and wipe when they are too thick. I am starting to get a feel for the 'rubs' although I don't like using scrim and think I will try to find an alternative that isn't quite as scratchy, maybe just a soft, well worn old sheet. I am going to ink and run two more today and try that out. I am pleased with the size of these plates as they frame up into a 16" x 20" frame with a 3" mat very nicely. They do take from 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours to ink up though. Back to work!

New Prints

I am posting the photographs of the two first prints from new collagraph #1. I am experimenting with adding an extender with linseed oil to my inks and then, after the intaglio wipe, using rubs. I can see there will be a lot more practice needed to get this right! The first one is too much all the same colours but I think I will add some chine colle and see what happens. The second one might be able to be saved with a little oil pastel. I will try some more prints tomorrow with some toned down colours. I am also finding that for larger collagraphs (this one is 10.5" x 14.5") I should be using a thin MDF board as mat card for larger ones won't hold up on the edges for many print runs. I am applying another coat of acrylic varnish to the edges and back of this one when it is completely dry. Tomorrow I will also do some test runs of collagraph #2 as well.

Back in the Groove

I am happy to say that I am 'back in the groove' lately and feeling much better now that I have decided to 'just do it', meaning make whatever art wants to come out and not worry about whether anyone will like it or not.

Having spent the last two days working on two new plates while listening to waves on the shore outside my window I am now ready to seal them up for printing tomorrow.

The theme seems to be the cycle and circle of life and they are collagraphs using illustration board as the support with white craft glue, heavy gel medium, modelling paste and fine sand. I am blending shellac flakes with denatured alcohol to use as a sealant. The attached photos are of the plates before sealing.

I am looking forward to 'printing day' tomorrow as I want to try out some new inking techniques.

Rainy Day Results

I finally ran three prints from the cardboard etch and collagraph two plate experiment and am posting them today. That will be the first and last cardboard etch for me - too primitive and not enough control with the lines and wiping. I will try the two plate printing again though.

I will be back to abstract images and have begun preparing 4 plates, two 10" x 14" and two 12.5" x 20". Next week will be a major plate-making and printing week as I will have the weekdays to myself!