Printmaking

A carved linoleum block

Printmaking is my favourite way to be artsy fartsy.  Unless you're really winging it when you're carving the block, it's hard to screw up the design and even if you do, you can usually fix it so it looks like the mistake was made on purpose.

The resulting print

I tend to think about what I'm going to draw, sometimes for weeks (and months...) then I draw a rough draft on paper in pencil.  When I'm happy with how it looks I flip the paper over and lay it on top of the lineoleum block.  Then, I use a pencil to rub the back of the paper so the design transfers lightly on to the block so there's a general cutting guide.

Polar bear linoleum block for a print I made for my Dad for his birthday a couple of years ago.  About a year after I made his print (the only one) I wanted to try something fancy with different colours but the brayer I used just mixed them all together and made a big mess.  I need to try again with more than one brayer.

Penguin block

Penguin print with a watercolour wash

I happened to reserve two of the same book from the library by accident.  The first was published in 1955 and the second in the 1970s.   

The book offered this interesting tip

Printmaking project ideas by month

I should definitely make a patriotic motto card this month.  Suggestions?

When we were in San Francisco last weekend I stopped at the art store hoping to pick up a large linoleum block (18x24 or larger) so I wouldn't have to pay shipping by ordering it online.  They didn't carry the larger sizes in the store anyway so I'll be placing an order soon.  Shipping's free at Blick if you spend over $160.  Anyone need some art supplies and want to go in on an order?

What art or craft projects are you working on right now?