Saturday, November 01, 2008

Printmaking Adventure


Linocut 10cmx10cm

Apart from the Flying Pictures Sketchbook Exchange, I haven't been doing a lot of sketching lately because a few weeks ago I started a three month printmaking workshop. I found a wonderful teacher, Rick Woodbury with a beautiful studio right here in Castiglion Fiorentino. I couldn't believe my luck! Then I had to wait for more than a year for Rick to fit me into a workshop. I couldn't have wished for a better opportunity as the rest of the group is made up of American university students here at the Santa Chiara School for a semester studying art and architecture. They are keeping me on my toes!

I'm going to post all my efforts from the beginning in the hope that it will be a record of my evolving skill.

First of all we tackled monoprints.


The lesson I learned from the last two prints was that if I am going to experiment, it's a good idea to experiment on proper paper. I have a tendency to over-ink my plates, so Rick suggested I make a second print from the same plate. I used a piece of scrap newsprint (notice the text) and, of course, ended up liking this second print best.

I have some more monoprints to post but I have now moved on to drypoint and hardground etching which I think better suits my desire to draw.

The little snail at the top of this post was my first effort at linocut where I've had access to a decent press. I've since made a whole series in different colours.

21 comments:

Anita said...

Robyn - these are superb! I have a real weakness for prints, its a medium that I have always wanted to learn. I've done some very basic printmaking - nothing that looks nearly as impressive as these. I envy you this workshop and will be watching your progress with interest!

Jeanette Jobson said...

How fabulous are these! Lucky you to get into a workshop like this. I haven't done much with printmaking, but its on my wishlist. There is a very good printmaking place in town and one of these days I will take a course!

I love all of these pieces, but the snail is so appealing.

Joan said...

This looks like such a fun class!!! It is funny that your second print (on the scrap paper) is the one that came out the best...typical!!! Have fun!

Stacy said...

Robyn, is there nothing you can't do??? Your prints are lovely and it sounds like the new workshop will be lots of fun. I had to chuckle over the second print on scrap paper. I think every artists has had a similar experience. The works on lousy paper always turn out best! Enjoy your workshop!

vivien said...

these are lovely! I especially like the monoprints - it's something I really love and aren't they just SO much better done with a press?

E-J said...

A workshop in printing! Lucky, lucky you. Your results so far are stunning - the snail is so detailed.

df said...

I love the snail and the second more abstract print. What a great thing to do in Italy. I'll have to come back and do that. I'm sorry to have missed you too in Italy. Ho avuto molto lavoro sul podere,

Anonymous said...

What exciting work Robyn. I will be watching from afar to see your progress.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Robyn! I've been longing to see what you can do on a press!
I am thrilled for you that you have found a good class locally.
DO NOT STOP!!
Your drawing skills are obviously a great help here. (I am 'way behind in this!)
And, yes, the newspaper "blotter" always, but always, yields a good print! Do you think Murphy was a printmaker...

Making A Mark said...

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Love the snail and I'm green with jealousy

Laura Frankstone said...

I am so thrilled for you and so envious, too---I've been meaning to try linocuts, but just have not been able to fit them into my life! These are gorgeous and you are so talented.

Lindsay said...

What a great opportunity! These prints are really beautiful and very gestural. I envy you!!! Have fun.

Anonymous said...

I too started a printmaking class for the first time at the local college. Having a great time. Your work is so nice! Thanks for sharing. Will be back to see more in the days to come.

Elizabeth A Patterson said...

Wow, Robyn, that's my kind of adventure! And you are just so versatile... these are all fantastic. I'm loving that orangey red ink too! Can't wait to see what you do next...

janie said...

Very impressive, I actually like the random words on your no.2 print, happy accident:)
And even though snails are my gardening enemy I have to admit yours is a very pretty specimen!
Happy printing.

Joan Sandford-Cook said...

Oh wowy - what a lucky girl to find a super printing course on your doorstep. Shows how good the tutor is with a year to wait - but your early successes show how well worth it. Looking forward to your progress if these are your first attempts.

mARTa said...

oh, so you are on a new adventure!!! How wonderful! I love your efforts so far. Our local art museum is big on monoprinting workshops; I might have to take one sometime.
Isn't it fun to be surrounded by young artists?

Anonymous said...

Love the prints, especially where they are a bit more 'ghosty'. I really hope you keep going with it.

Anonymous said...

Hello,
I just wanted to let you know that I have passed on to you the Kreativ Blogger Award (see my blog at www.mirandaswan.blogspot.com for details).
Your blog is marvellous and I enjoy your work very much.
Kind regards,
Miranda S.

Robyn Sinclair said...

Thank you all:) I'm slowly getting around your blogs again, having taken to my bed last week with a horrible chest infection (and my laptop).

I'm so frustrated not being able to get to the printmaking studio.

Anonymous said...

I love your prints robyn1 that snail is gorgeous! It's great to see your work...hope for more when you're back in class again...
ronmell

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