Detail of watercolour woodblock print
Watercolour Woodblock print & plywood plate 17 x 17cm
After testing this 'new' method of printing a multicoloured image from a single woodblock, I decided to make a larger version of my little test vase print. I particularly love the blind embossing achieved by printing these plywood blocks on a large etching press. The plan is to dedicated larger areas of embossed pattern in future pictures.
After doing a bit more research I think this method is a version of White Line Printing of which you can read an excellent description HERE on The Baren Forum of Woodblock Printing.
What started as simple admiration for the art created by Japanese printmakers is developing into a full-blown obsession with finding out how they actually cut and printed the blocks. I'm trying very hard to resist the temptation to go the whole way because, while the equipment is simple, it's expensive and hard to come by here in Italy.
After doing a bit more research I think this method is a version of White Line Printing of which you can read an excellent description HERE on The Baren Forum of Woodblock Printing.
What started as simple admiration for the art created by Japanese printmakers is developing into a full-blown obsession with finding out how they actually cut and printed the blocks. I'm trying very hard to resist the temptation to go the whole way because, while the equipment is simple, it's expensive and hard to come by here in Italy.
20 comments:
Oh,Robyn, your work lately is so wonderful. I love the dry point etching (even if you were not so happy with your whites) And this white line one is so vivid!! It's great following you along on your progress.
Hi Robin! I have been away too long. You really have blossomed with your prints. Breathtaking! Beautiful! I love the look of the prints that emboss with your watercolor.
Robyn, you are like a little machine of talent over there churning these out...really nice!
Another fabulous print. I can see how it enthralls you and makes you want to learn more, do more.
I can see this taking you places. Your niche awaits.
These are stunning Robyn
There was a big exhibition of Cressida Campbell's prints at the S H Irvin Gallery recently. She uses a similar technique, though she prints ONE ONLY. then she paints up the woodblock and sells that framed as well. There were huge queues to see it and the gallery even stayed open in the evenings. Personally, it wasn't to my taste. I thought the colours were drab, and I FAR prefer yours.
Did solar plate yesterday, woo-hoo.
Oh! is it my love of flowers that |I think these are fantastic, or simply the little white line around the various gorgeous coloured shapes. All I know is I love these best of all from all your great printing work you have kindly shared with us. What a wonderful new direction to travel.
these are fabulous!
more!!!!
Lindsay - thank you, I hope the next effort is worth following ;)
Toni - Thank you :) You were away too long, I missed your blog.
Rose - TY I don't know about the 'talent' bit but I'm certainly churning out more work lately. I have enthusiasm in abundance at present.
Jeanette - I so hope you are right. :)
Anita - Many thanks.
Wendy (QA) - if you go back about four posts you will see that it was actually as a result of the Cressida Campbell exhibition that I started on this white line printing journey. I haven't seen her work IRL but thought it awesome on line. The fact that you like mine better is testament to either A) your great taste or B) Extreme Kindness ;) Thank you!
Joan - I think you are right - the white outline really does give the individual colours a lot of vitality.
Vivien - I always get a kick out of you liking one of my pieces. Thank you!
I love the look of this!!! The white lines really make the color stand out. For some reason this reminds me of a beautiful hand-painted tile. (Maybe it is the square shape.) Lovely!!
I am beginning to think, "perhaps it's in the water she drinks."
I really like the abstract quality of this one in particular. It stands on it's own as a fine piece of art.
Keep drinking the water!!!
So fresh and gutsy! You don't do things halfway, do you Ms. Robyn?
This is so wonderful, Robyn!!! I love the white on that incredible blue ... It's so difficult, I think to keep our hobbies simple when we fall in love with the process and the results!!! BTW, it won't be too much longer before we meet!
I love it! Why don't you re categorize this from hobby to new career - then your investment in equipment would be more reasonable? Oops - I can hear your husband telling you what a bad influence I am from here...
These are gorgeous and wonderful work as usual.
Very interesting technique and gorgeous result, you're on a roll with this printmaking, obviously enjoying the whole process, it's great.
I've been offline a while, and this return to your page is just tonic! Were I to try to describe the gut-feelings I get from these things I might get banned from the kitchen, because these give me the same satisfied feeling as a great meal. What happiness. What a dog!
I am sure with some mental trickery re exchange rates etc you could justify the equipment LOL
These are exciting, I think you have a real gift for the process and would love to see more.
Thank you so much everyone for all the wonderful encouragement you've given me of late. I am working on another of these white line watercolour prints but haven't had much heart for blogging since the earthquake here. But I do so appreciate all your lovely comments and will get cracking again soon.
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