new prints

Here are two more prints I've made in the print course. The one on top is a drypoint and I really like the way it came out. My intention was to use the strong dark lines to compress the space, making the scene seem very close, almost right up against the frame. I love how the drypoint gives you such dark values. 

The print on the bottom a soft ground etching, so the lines are softer, like vine charcoal. I drew it quickly and am happy with this print, though later I used an aqautint technique to add different shades and the result wasn't as strong as this first print. It is a sort of small homage to Shel Silvertein, one of my favorite illustrators whose work helped to shaped me in my early years. 

www.shelsilvertein.com

new type of drawing

The illustrators printmaking course which I am participating in is going very well. I'm challenged to work in ways that are backwards, complicated and unkown to me. The difficulties have produced some surprises and I am learning from it all. It seems like we've done so much, monoprints, etching, aqautints, drypoint, but I know full well that this is only scratching the surface of the possibilities of printmaking.

The thing I like the most so far is this strange distance between the time that you make marks in the plate, or card, or paper, and the point at which the print comes off the press. 

This is my first drypoint print and a very unrealistic portrait of my friend Keiron, who was sitting across from me. I like it. 

golden sea

Lately I have been slowing down, making more deliberate, planned, worked and re-worked images. This is a painting I did today from several sketches on the same theme.

I'd be glad to hear what people think of it.

etching no. one

This is my very first etching ever! I am honored to have been invited to be a part of a class of illustrators at the Bluecoat print studio. The course is lead by Emma Gregory and she is teaching seven Liverpool based illustrators how to use non-toxic intaglio printing processes. What an amazing opportunity! Today was our second meeting and printed our etchings. Last week we used monotypes and next week will be aquatints. Below is a monoprint: the original print on newsprint to right and the final print on the left.