Having taken the first step and opted for a theme I have
started on some prints.
To ease myself into the new direction I have been
concentrating on the not too daunting task of printing backgrounds while I draw
possible images in my visual diary and my mind sifts through the many
possibilities until it is happy to commit to positive action. Some may call it
procrastination. I think of it as all valid progress towards a desired end.
The backgrounds are a “generic” stipple collagraph plate
which I print both right way up and on its head to produce a two colour base
onto which I will then print images in a further two colours. As the colours are subtle photos are not a great illustration of the effect but give the general idea ...see below.
(detail)
As I am keeping to my previous format of 30 x 30 cm square
prints I am using a plate that I made ages ago and have already used many times
(they seem to be very hardy). I have a number of these “generic” plates with
either hatch or stipple patterns. I find them a useful way to provide
background colour. They are made by applying a thin layer of impasto gel to a pasteboard
plate, then creating texture in the wet gel using a palette knife and coating
both sides of the plate with shellac once the gel is dry.
