Friday 1 April 2011

One take prints

I've become enamoured with the concept of the sketchbook print and am taking it forward with a series of etchings  - all the same small size  - inspired by visits to the garden. The word sketchbook to me denotes a work in progress or working towards - certainly not a finished piece with all that 'finished' entails. Taking this a step further the idea of the 'one take' sketchbook print has taken hold. The magnolias is one of the first batch of 4 etchings that I developed from bare copper plate through line work and aquatinting, dipping in and out of the acid (about 12 times) to check and to modify, but not taking a proof until the print you can see. Sheer heresy in the printmaking world as you are taught to take proofs at every stage! The magnolias have an ethereal air while the prickly bodies below are more...prickly. I'll carry on with these while I'm thinking and planning other schemes..

1 comment:

  1. I love the simplicity and cleanliness of the composition on your magnolia print, it reminds me of a Japanese print, and of course there must be a link there with magnolias...
    The cacti by contrast appear to have been born of a completely different elemental era. Its interesting how your plants are dictating the look of your prints...!
    Wendy

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