Landscape Linocut Tests

So, I thought getting into linocut & block printing would be easy since I've done it before... I am so wrong. 


Probably my fav. of the watercolor ones.

My first rubber block with the magpie did not work out. I streamed working on this. Unfortunately with fatigue, I got a bit anxious and started carving too deep into the block. I think most people I'm showing it don't get why it's a dud since it looks fine... but it's not me as an artist. The magpie itself is caveman-esque, and the background has an over-exposed photograph quality in all the detail it lost. I guess maybe if you don't know what I was trying to carve, it's fine. Maybe I'll give it a second go sometime later.


Super cool watercolor bloom!

For now, I decided to make another block - one I can experiment more with presentation. It's a simple yet epic landscape from a photo I took up north Quebec. I will probably paint this photo...it is just too epic of a scene that I can't believe I live a few hours drive from. Anyway, it's trees on mountains, river and clouds, which leaves plenty of choice. I could go black, or I could go green, blue, a blend, other colors... for now, I bought some inks in black, green, and blue. Likewise, I have the choice of paper: watercolor, bristol, painting a wash on it, painting a gradient, using a colored paper, using black paper... it's so many choices that quickly became overwhelming. To do a series of prints, I need to make 1 choice that will carry across them all. A choice I can replicate. 




I did a few more tests. Some of the watercolor tests came out quite cheesy, but a lot of them are quite cool. Instead of typical print, I decided it could cool to send these out as the Patreon reward? These would be considered "Artist's Proofs" or AP prints. In printmaking, there is usually a few of these before the artist makes the final numbered series. They're like number 0 in the line-up. Of course, I'll only send out the best, not just scraps. At least 2 of these will be thrown away since they're not very good. 


On Yupo. I love the textured effect & translucency, but too expensive - $1 per sheet.

Regardless of the choices, another issue is technique...I am so rough on the technique itself, I need to practice inking and printing a bit more. I'm not sure how perfectionist to be...I think there is some charm in imperfect prints, but I'd like to aim for the best. So the first series will look pretty handmade.


Yupo + watercolor. An interesting mess?

Meanwhile, I'm going to repurpose the magpie sketch into a watercolor painting. It's already lined and a background wash has been placed - so it's on the go!