Monday, February 8, 2010

Sunflower #2

I should be getting things organized to go away on holidays but couldn't resist picking away at this piece of lino one more time. It was my first attempt and after modifying it, this is the second run through the press. I like the relief method but will not be using lino again. It warps when you wash the ink off and is difficult to flatten again completely. I bought a piece of stuff called 'true cut lino' and 'speedy carve' for my next attempts. I also found the Speedball block printing ink not very satisfying to work with and much prefer the Akua Intaglio ink. This is all very trial and error. Another thing I found a bit frustrating to use was a barren to transfer the ink. Maybe it's just me not putting enough ink on the plate first. I really like the crisp, graphic look of the black and white run through the press.

Now I really must get back to finding summer clothes that fit to pack etc. I have put the cover on my press and tidied up my printing space - back at it in a month!

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Good Day

Finally, after two months of house renovations, packing, sanding, painting, unpacking and cleaning I got a day to myself to get some artwork done!

I have wanted to do some linoleum prints for some time but couldn't quite grasp the process. This is the year for the Third International Miniature Print Exhibition at the Ottawa School of Art and I am hoping to get two prints done to submit for jury. This one still needs a few tweaks and tomorrow I will start a second.

I am exhausted after working for about 7 hours on this one today but very happy to be working at my art again. I have one more day to work on the second plate and then will be getting organized to go on vacation for a few weeks.

It will be nice to be in the sun and sand and relax!