Category Archives: Printmaking 1

Introduction to printmaking

Print 1. Project 11: Research. Jet James (Part 2)

Posted on July 26, 2015 by Claire B

Having been born to drug-addled parents living a life of instability and unpredictability, due to a set of extreme circumstances  Jet James found himself an orphan at 8 years old. He was taken from Perth (Australia) to live in some … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Experimental Collagraphs Workshop

Posted on July 22, 2015 by Claire B

Jet James workshop and research A couple of weeks ago I attended an experimental collagraph workshop with Queensland artist Jet James.  My first impression of him was how seemingly shy and unassuming he is.  A quiet, organised, unhurried man, working … Continue reading →

Posted in My Creative Pieces, Printmaking 1, Workshops & Classes | Tagged , , , | 10 Comments

Print 1. Assignment 3: Reading material

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Claire B

During this assignment I referred to a lot of artist work on-line, my own notes from recent courses and exhibitions I have attended and the following books: This is a superb book and give instruction in detail.  Although the focus … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged | Leave a comment

Print 1: Recent sketchbook work (during assignment 3)

Posted on July 20, 2015 by Claire B

Using the design from project 8 as my start point continued to develop the concept.   I ‘drew’ the outlined shape with a glue gun on to paper.  Hand-dyed fabric was inserted in some areas and metallic wax was applied … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged | Leave a comment

Print 1. Assignment 3: On-line submission

Posted on July 19, 2015 by Claire B

Developing relief prints Task 1 (Project 8) Select two prints of a reduction method linoprint Brief critical statement Both pieces are on Arches 88 and relate back to my post of 7/5/2015. It’s a complex design with many narrow lines … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 10: Review

Posted on July 18, 2015 by Claire B

Experimental print trials. Working on other bases than lino was very revealing and threw up some interesting future possibilities. I particularly liked the floor vinyl which was easy to cut and because it was textured it created some wonderful random … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 10: Completing the print

Posted on July 17, 2015 by Claire B

Reduction printing using a variety of tools + dab printing After my last post I made a few small adjustments to the placement and choice of  components for this design and ended up with – It has a more balanced … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Print 1. Project 10: To panic or not?

Posted on July 1, 2015 by Claire B

According to my own work schedule I’m vastly overdue with this assignment and I’m getting a little panicky as this will have a knock-on effect as I continue to the next part of the course. So I have a couple … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Print 1. Project 10: Research point

Posted on June 27, 2015 by Claire B

Exploring experimental contemporary printmakers. Peter Green OBE (1933-) I came across Peter Green on the internet quite by accident and felt compelled to investigate further.  My attraction comes from several sources His visualisation is so unrelated to anything I can … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Exhibition – Works on Paper

Posted on June 24, 2015 by Claire B

The 2015 Hazelhurst Art on Paper Award attracted over 1500 entries by more than 750 artists and exhibits appear throughout the centre, in both the Regional and Community Gallery.  Works encompass a diverse range of paper media and industry techniques, … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Project 10: Experimental print trials

Posted on June 22, 2015 by Claire B

Some terrific print results from the experimental blocks I cut yesterday.  All prints are on 110gsm cartridge paper and are printed using chrome yellow hue (oil paint not ink) plus black ink +40% extender. Floor vinyl This photo shows the … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 10: Getting started

Posted on June 21, 2015 by Claire B

In the preparatory part of this project I’m looking at mark-making on surfaces other than regular silk-cut lino which I’ve been using to date.  I’m keen to see what effects I can get using both my normal lino cutting tools … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Project 9: Review

Posted on June 16, 2015 by Claire B

Firstly consider the marks you have been able to make.  Does a theme spring to mind when you see them?  They might remind you of the textures in a landscape or the effect of light on water.  Can you see … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 9: Designing using experimental marks

Posted on June 15, 2015 by Claire B

This project doesn’t actually ask us to create a design using some of the experimental tools we’ve been using on lino, however it does ask us to speculate in what circumstances these random marks might be useful.  I decided to … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Project 9: Further experimental marks

Posted on June 12, 2015 by Claire B

My husband pointed out to me that the marks/indentations I got from these eyelet spreaders weren’t great because I was working on a table instead of on a more solid base.  As the punches hit the lino the table absorbed … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Project 9: Printing the experimental marks

Posted on June 4, 2015 by Claire B

I’m quite fond of Sepia, the warmth and depth of the colour attracts me.  So this project has initially been printed using this. The above image is purely to show which tools were used for each cut section so I … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Print 1. Project 9: Mark-making

Posted on May 31, 2015 by Claire B

Experimental mark-making on lino. In this project I’m experimenting with unusual items to create cuts, scratches and texture on lino.  Hopefully some of these marks will result in more random outcomes than the linework formed using the regular cutters. Left: … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Experimentation – Further natural dyeing trials

Posted on May 29, 2015 by Claire B

A month ago I achieved some extremely good natural dyeing results on paper.  I confess that I like the paper outcomes more than fabric.  Perhaps it’s just that my focus is very paper based currently, or maybe it is that … Continue reading →

Posted in My Creative Pieces, Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 8: Review

Posted on May 22, 2015 by Claire B

Reduction lino cutting Due to some severe demands on my time over the last couple of months I’ve taken far too long on this section.  I had hopes of producing 2 entirely different sets of prints from 2 very different … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 8: Research point

Posted on May 20, 2015 by Claire B

How interesting that before coming to this part of the course I have already reviewed the two artists we are required to explore now. Clare Curtis I explored as part of my tutor feedback for Assignment 2 and Mark Hearld … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Print 1. Further embossing experimentation

Posted on May 13, 2015 by Claire B

At the end of my last print run I was left with some excess inks and, always keen to use them up, I continued with some embossing which I enjoyed doing back in February.  I have a few Cedar Canyon … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Assignment 2: Tutor feedback response – Angie Lewin & Clare Curtis

Posted on May 10, 2015 by Claire B

The points made by my tutor I wish to draw on for this response relate to her guidance regarding other printmakers I may find of interest. Whilst I feel that I’ve floundered around a lot during the first half of … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Project 8: Final design

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Claire B

Note: The prints below have an even colour throughout but due to the dull day and light source available they look a little lighter on the right hand side.  Please take the actual colour to be more consistent with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Print 1. Project 8: Rolling and registering

Posted on May 7, 2015 by Claire B

I’ve got the preparation and rolling of the oil based inks and mediums fairly under control now.  The keep it thin motto from Tony is constantly in my mind and his advise has served me well. I’m now preparing my … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Project 8: Progress

Posted on May 1, 2015 by Claire B

Unfortunately I’m swamped with life outside my OCA course until mid next week and have not got quite as far as I’d hoped with my printing.  However, some progress has been made and new questions and thoughts have arisen from … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 8: Cutting the lino

Posted on April 19, 2015 by Claire B

I started by resizing my design as there is quite a bit of fine line work and if the piece is too small I won’t be able to form the detail I am aiming for, the lino will simply crumble … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Experimentation: Spray printing

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Claire B

Spray printing over masks My friend Nola and I spent a day exploring a different type of printing by spraying dyes through masks.  This is the first of two days looking at this technique and we started by looking at … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 8: Finalising the design

Posted on April 12, 2015 by Claire B

Reduction lino printing: Working through design & colour placement ideas. In Assignment 4 of Exploring Ideas I discovered the wonderful designs of the 1950’s, in particular Lucienne Day and Jacqueline Groag.  I was immediately taken with their design ideas as … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Project 8: Choosing a design

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Claire B

Reduction lino printing: Design progression and sketchbook work. I’ve always loved this feature tile in our renovated bathroom.  Above on the left is the actual colour but on the right I’ve played with it in Photoshop to add more tonal … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 8: Research

Posted on April 10, 2015 by Claire B

Reduction lino printing – research. I currently have this book on loan and although it is fairly old, 1974, it’s full of all sorts of useful printing information.  In the relief printing section alone it covers lucite print (perspex or … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Caring for print rollers

Posted on April 7, 2015 by Claire B

My new Japanese print rollers are wonderful, the rubber surface is smooth as silk, the ink picks up evenly and then distributes across the lino uniformly and I couldn’t be happier with their performance. However, they have one tiny glitch.  … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Print 1. Experimentation – Natural dyeing

Posted on April 5, 2015 by Claire B

A fun day on Friday dyeing cloth and paper with my friend and OCA mate, Judy.  She has already posted a review and some of her results here and her pieces are terrific. Moving away from my normal routine, where … Continue reading →

Posted in My Creative Pieces, Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 7 Comments

Print 1. Perspective in printing

Posted on March 29, 2015 by Claire B

Looking further at Edward Bawden and his works. (Along with my own photography) In project 7 I recently researched Edward Bawden and his son Richard.  Edward was known in particular for his linocuts of stations, markets and building exteriors and … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Further sketchbook work within Assignment 2

Posted on March 23, 2015 by Claire B

Project 7 – working on the Hobbit house image. Original photo, detailed drawing and first stage of simplification. Final detailed image. Separating the colour layers with black outline ready for tracing: After printing the first layer, this idea was abandoned. … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged | Leave a comment

Print 1. Assignment 2: Review

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Claire B

Reflection Never would I have thought this assignment would take me this long but I feel the progress I’ve made has been worth the weeks/months of trials. Measuring against assessment criteria: Demonstration of technical and visual skills – I spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged | 2 Comments

Print 1. Assignment 2: First relief prints

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Claire B

This assignment is being submitted by post to my tutor.  Here are the prints I have chosen from this section: Task 1 (Project 5) Two printed test cuts + original linocut and details of cutters used: (Blog post 14/11/2014)  The … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Printing: Experimenting with compressed sponge

Posted on March 22, 2015 by Claire B

Once a month I get together with a friend, Nola, and we try out different creative techniques.  Last month we looked at printing on fabric with compressed sponge The sponge comes in sheets about 1-2mm thick.  We drew on it … Continue reading →

Posted in My Creative Pieces, Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 7: Multilayer prints (part 3)

Posted on March 21, 2015 by Claire B

Yes, that’s right, I’ve had another go at it even though I said I was moving on.  I can’t seem to let it go until I’ve figured out how to get these prints right – and I’ve finally done it. … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Print 1. Project 7: Review

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Claire B

During this project did you experience any problems or difficulties?  Can you identify ways to solve them? I think it’s fair to say that the questions above have been asked and answered in every post as I’ve worked my way … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 7: Research Point

Posted on March 15, 2015 by Claire B

Look at the work of Edward Bawden, and his son, contemporary printmaker Richard Bawden.  Take a close look at how they have worked with multiple blocks.  What can you learn from them? Edward Bawden (1903-1989) The first time I came … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Project 7: Multilayer prints (part 2)

Posted on March 9, 2015 by Claire B

At the end of my last post I had decided to move to using print press runners and hand alignment, abandoning the jig. At the same time, I also decided to try some lighter weight Japanese papers without dampening them. … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Project 7: Multilayer prints

Posted on March 4, 2015 by Claire B

Circles prints. I’m getting good ink coverage on my print transfers and the new inking up process is working well, as are my good quality rollers. I have a range of 3 layer prints, none of which I feel are … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Exhibition – Chuck Close

Posted on February 28, 2015 by Claire B

Chuck Close: Prints, Process and Collaboration An american artist, based in New York, Chuck Close has been painting portraits since the late 1960s, developing his printmaking skills from the early 1970s. This recent self-portrait demonstrates the colour laying technique he … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Project 7: A new start

Posted on February 26, 2015 by Claire B

A lot has happened since the preparation for this project back in January (post here) and I’ve started my design again from scratch.  I’ll go back and revisit the Hobbit house image later perhaps. I’ve reverted to one of my … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Monoprinting workshop

Posted on February 13, 2015 by Claire B

Monotype printing with Tony Ameniero Three weeks ago I attended this workshop and I’ve been gathering materials and practicing the techniques I learned since then.  The first thing to say about Tony is that he is a marvellous tutor: calm, … Continue reading →

Posted in My Creative Pieces, Printmaking 1, Workshops & Classes | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Comparing paper

Posted on February 11, 2015 by Claire B

A few days ago I boiled up my pots and did some natural dyeing, always a fun experience.  The examples here are comparisons between some paper I dyed a while ago in a pot with eucalyptus leaves/bark/twigs + iron sulphate … Continue reading →

Posted in My Creative Pieces, Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | Leave a comment

Print 1. Embossing experimentation

Posted on February 4, 2015 by Claire B

After re-printing my images from project 5 I had quite a bit of ink left on the roller and the print prep area.  Using offcuts from the various papers I’ve been printing on I ran some smaller pieces through an … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 5 Comments

Print 1. Project 5 revisited.

Posted on February 2, 2015 by Claire B

Having printed some new images for project 6 and with my new roller having arrived today I thought that a few practice pieces were in order whilst trying it out.  Hence the reason for back-tracking and printing a few more … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Print 1. Project 6 revisited.

Posted on January 29, 2015 by Claire B

Since the monotype workshop last week I’ve been practicing my printing techniques, right from preparing the inks, through to rolling on the work space, rolling ink onto the lino and preparing and printing through my press.  Things have improved enormously … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1 | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The perils and pitfalls of printing

Posted on January 26, 2015 by Claire B

8 months ago I started the OCA course Printmaking 1.  It has been 8 months of unrewarding difficulty, constant print problems, severe and extended angst and a loss of confidence, motivation and drive.  I’m not satisfied with much of the … Continue reading →

Posted in Printmaking 1, Workshops & Classes | Tagged , , , | 14 Comments