#25 - Boxer - A Better Image of the Final

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#25 - I Can Haz Cheezburger?

It was so hard to wait and print patiently through this print's gawky teenager stage. What a challenge it was to trust that it would work out like I expected it. But I trusted, and it actually turned out better than I expected. I'm very happy with this print.

Here are the sketch and final print side by side:

#25 - Boxer - Seven Passes Through the Press

I've been reluctant to share my progress with this print of Boxer. I have been using the second plate, which has resulted in this kitty looking like an evil zombie cat. I have a few more colors to print, including black, which will bring him back to normal.

This print has been a good learning experience for me because I've seen how I can "wing it", and use the printing technique a little more like painting. The printing press has enabled that to happen. The process of printing another color is faster and so much easier physically. Looks like I'm headed toward 9 colors all together, and as a result there is a lot of depth to the image.

#25 - Boxer - Second Color

I wish I could do more than one color in a day, but there is too much carving. I also have a life! It would be delightful to have the stamina to draw, carve and print - AND do laundry, cook, clean, teach, etc.

I want to get some yellow onto this print tomorrow. We shall see if I get enough time to carve the second block. It's about 25% complete...it's loading...it's buffering. I'm thinking in computer language, even while doing analog tasks.

#25 - Boxer - Thinking, Cutting, Registering, Printing.

I was happy enough with my revised sketch to get going on carving. I decided to make two plates: one for all the grays and black, and the other for the yellows and rust. I'm undecided on the green. I might put a bit in at the end, just after the black. I love that trio of colors (yellow, rust and green). I'm going to see how it goes as it takes shape.

The print is just about the maximum size I can do on my press, so I had to set up the registration differently than I'm used to. Behold:

Yes, that's an eraser cut from the top of a pencil and hot glued onto a piece of foam core. Isn't it just mahvelous?

Here's the whole set up:

I go through duct tape like a meticulous gaffer.

I cut the paper extra wide and punched holes. The paper goes on the "pins". You get the idea.

And check out my awesome press blanket:

I choose you, Pokemon playmat!

#25 - Boxer - Refined Sketch

I like how this shaped up. Now: how to deal with the colors. I know I don't want brown, but rather a burgundy color. I'm going to use two blocks like I did with the scorpion. I need to think this out with a clear head before I start carving, but I'm hankering to get started! And it does look like Boxer, so it's a good portrait.

#25 - Boxer - Does He Look Offended Enough?

I don't know. He could look more irritated. Just a bit more. Will keep working on this.

This is just a first sketch. I'm aiming for a 9x12 reduction print.