#16 - FINALLY Done!

This print was a registration nightmare, but... I learned a lot. I don't think my registration was lousy, but the artwork required perfect registration. Even an eighth of an inch was enough to ruin a print. I will do things differently next time.

The best part about this print was the element of danger of having only the most sketchy of plans. Working without a net forced me to be content with whatever I ended up with. Working towards perfection has it's good points, but I also want to be able to improvise. I learn more, certainly.

I ended up with nine good prints (out of 20). I've already sold one (thanks, Mom!).

#16 - Dancer - Oh, The Humanity!

Here's a good start to the day: waste seven prints trying to register the colors. Fortunately, I flubbed most of the green prints, and the second color looks pretty bad over the green. Looks nice on the blue. The next color is going to be coppery.

In spite of all my hard work, most the prints are still off register slightly. There are a few that are good enough, though. I guess I just need one!

The ink is luxurious and long-lasting. I used far less ink than I would have had I used Speedball Inks. So, these are thrifty inks, in spite of their astonishing price tag.

Here are a few photos of the second color. The color in the photos is not accurate. It has more of a copper cast to it.

#16 - Dancer - Ready to Print Second Color

Here's a proof of the carving for the second color. My ballet position consultant will notice that there is a wonky line on her lower foot. Have no fear: it will get carved off momentarily. Can't wait to dig into my cans of Caligo ink and slop the stuff around with a palette knife. Delish! Tomorrow...

#16 - Ballet Dancer is Doing the Jig

I pulled ten prints, and it took about two hours. Each print took a great deal of inking time because my large brayer is ruined, so I was forced to use my 1.5" wide brayer on this 9x12" block. Rollin', rollin', rollin'.

I wasn't able to mix the color I wanted because the Speedball blue (the only blue they make) has too much green in it. When mixed with white, it takes on more of a teal hue. It does look blue in the photos above, but in reality it's more greenish. I intend to upgrade my ink to a much finer printer's ink ASAP. The set I want comes with 16 colors, and let's just say that it will take awhile to pay for itself.

I'm going to pull another ten prints in a completely different color scheme so that I can increase the likelihood of having a piece that's pleasing. I have no idea what color. I also have no idea what I will carve out for the next unknown color. Mysterious adventure...

#16 - Rewind to the Ballet Dancer

Well, after a few hours of tweaking, cutting, taping, white-outing and Photoshopping, I think I've finally arrived at a dancer with reasonably accurate proportions. Drawing people is not my strong suit, so this was hard work.

So, do you want to go on an adventure with me? I'm going to carve and print without a plan and see what happens. The sketch above will be the guideline.You can watch the whole show! It could be a complete bomb, but I can always throw it all away, can't I? I have the power!