Dragon Prints!

Looks like Proof Studio Gallery is starting to post the dragon prints they received to their call for art.

What an amazing assortment of dragons... lots of relief printing too.

Here's the link.
roar.

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

Year of the Rabbit - Proof Studio Gallery, Toronto

Proof Studio Gallery is holding its
annual Chinese New Year Print Exhibition starting today with the vernissage set for tomorrow evening, Feb 3rd, from 6-9pm.

Their blog is filled with rabbit themed prints from all over the world. This is my fourth year participating in this print event. The best part is the print exchange held in March. I've got a good collection of prints from printmakers all over the world. I look forward to this year's bounty of bunnies!

The print I submitted is titled

The Dance of 2011. It measures 9" x 9" and is a linocut handprinted on blue handmade chinese mulberry paper with embedded gold flakes.

The design was inspired by Chinese chopmarks, or signature blocks. This was carved from the new rubber "linoblock" material I've wanted to try for awhile.

I found the rubber material very easy to carve but did not like the printing results, though I did get it to work. It tends to give too much when I press onto the back of my paper draped over the inked block to print my image. I do think the material would be fantastic for small stamps but this larger piece (image was about 8" x 8") was just too uneven and "soft" for my liking. Back to the usual battlegrade linoleum for me.

You can see ALL the rabbit submissions at
http://www.yearoftherabbitprintexhibition.blogspot.com/

or if you're in Toronto go see them in person:

Proof Studio Gallery Print Exhibition: Year of the Rabbit 2011
PROOF Studio Gallery
Studio 104, Case Goods Warehouse, Bldg. 74,
55 Mill Street, Distillery District
Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Open Wed-Sun 12-5

Opening reception: February 3, 6-9PM - Chinese New Year!
Exhibition runs from February 2 - 13, 2011

Year of the Ox Print Exhibit

I just got word that the Year of the Ox print exhibit is officially online here.

Like last year, a group of people answered Proof Studio Gallery's call for traditional prints to celebrate the Year of the Ox.

This was my submission

Stubborn as an Ox etching, aquatint



Here's an excerpt from an article about what the Year of the Ox holds in store for us. Click here to read the full article to see what the Year of the Ox means to you personally.

According to Chinese Astrology, 2009 is a particular type of Ox year, it is an Earth Ox year. As well as the cycle of twelve Chinese Year Animal signs, there is a cycle of five elements (earth, metal, water, wood and fire), so a complete cycle is 60 years. There are five types of Ox year: Earth Ox, Metal Ox, Water Ox, Wood Ox and Fire Ox.

The pre-dominant element of the Ox is earth, so in an Earth Ox year, the earth will be especially intense. The earth element is about stability and any movement will be slow and steady. The Ox is considered to be the most persevering and responsible of the twelve animal signs and its influence will make us more hard-working and inspire us to bring some order to our business and home lives after the turbulence of the Rat year.
Earth holds back water, so communications can easily be hindered and extra care will be needed in negotiations to avoid misunderstandings. Ploughing on one step at a time will bring greater rewards than trying to find short-cuts, quick fixes and fast bucks. Put the pedantic nature of the Ox to good use by checking all the small print to avoid broken promises, for this is a year where we can run into muddy waters. Ensuring that your messages are crystal clear will avoid you getting stuck. During business negotiations avoid sitting such that you are facing North-east. Sitting with your back to the North-east may give you the upper hand, but if you are looking for a win-win scenario, avoid either party facing the north-east across the table.
Ox year is time to be persistent without being pushy. Over-aggressiveness and over-ambition will not force closed doors open. Rather, wait for the sound of the bolt easing back before you give a gentle nudge and make your entrance bit by bit. This is not a time for heat of the moment decisions and uncertainty will hang around a lot of solutions.

In the climate of credit crunch, the Ox influence will bring about consolidation in many industries. A practical down to earth approach will serve better than elaborate strategies for many of us. Caution will still blow in the wind, yet success and prosperity will come to the lucky ones.According to Chinese Astrology, 2009 is a particular type of Ox year, it is an Earth Ox year. As well as the cycle of twelve Chinese Year Animal signs, there is a cycle of five elements (earth, metal, water, wood and fire), so a complete cycle is 60 years. There are five types of Ox year: Earth Ox, Metal Ox, Water Ox, Wood Ox and Fire Ox.

The pre-dominant element of the Ox is earth, so in an Earth Ox year, the earth will be especially intense. The earth element is about stability and any movement will be slow and steady. The Ox is considered to be the most persevering and responsible of the twelve animal signs and its influence will make us more hard-working and inspire us to bring some order to our business and home lives after the turbulence of the Rat year.
Earth holds back water, so communications can easily be hindered and extra care will be needed in negotiations to avoid misunderstandings. Ploughing on one step at a time will bring greater rewards than trying to find short-cuts, quick fixes and fast bucks. Put the pedantic nature of the Ox to good use by checking all the small print to avoid broken promises, for this is a year where we can run into muddy waters. Ensuring that your messages are crystal clear will avoid you getting stuck. During business negotiations avoid sitting such that you are facing North-east. Sitting with your back to the North-east may give you the upper hand, but if you are looking for a win-win scenario, avoid either party facing the north-east across the table.

Ox year is time to be persistent without being pushy. Over-aggressiveness and over-ambition will not force closed doors open. Rather, wait for the sound of the bolt easing back before you give a gentle nudge and make your entrance bit by bit. This is not a time for heat of the moment decisions and uncertainty will hang around a lot of solutions.

In the climate of credit crunch, the Ox influence will bring about consolidation in many industries. A practical down to earth approach will serve better than elaborate strategies for many of us. Caution will still blow in the wind, yet success and prosperity will come to the lucky ones.