Showing posts with label Shoji paper. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Shoji paper. Show all posts

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Year of the Dragon print

Part of the joy of printmaking is in the experience of the paper. I decided to try this paper for my first print of 2012: Anno Draconis


The paper is smooth on one side and softly textured/fuzzyish on the other. I did a proof on the smooth side last night, and when I was burnishing it, the paper tore. Hmmm. So I printed onto the rougher side this morning and the burnishing was a dream. This is very strong paper. I can see it holding up to some reduction prints which are coming in my very near future.

More on that later...




I made my print from a lino block using Speedball's oil-based block printing black ink.



I am always wary of Speedball ink, but it seems to be the only ink that is carried by all the art stores when I am in a rush trying to get ink. Everyone has it. Their sales reps must be very good.I have had poor results from the water-based Speedball ink every time I use it. I tried it for this print last night but it was a no go. It dries out so fast and you need a lot and need to keep rolling out and re-inking over and over. I have made it work, but I just couldn't fight with it last night. So, this morning, I opted to try the oil-based ink and it was so much easier, but the cleanup will be harder.

Anno Draconis
lino block on Shoji paper 9.5" x 8.5"


Proof Studio Year of the Dragon on Facebook

Proof Studio Gallery's Year of the Dragon exhibition plus prints