Hummingbird

I mostly make monotype prints on my printing press, but occasionally I dip into another process.

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to make some new drypoint etchings from a drawing of a Hummingbird. 

Drypoint etching uses a different process to metal plate etching, where acid is required to etch the drawn lines on the plate and create the grooves to receive the ink. 

The plate for a drypoint can be made from perspex, drypoint card or Tetra Pak card. An etching needle is used to draw the image into the surface of the plate, creating the groove in which to push the ink. The surface of this type of plate is soft and the etched line will have a burr on it, creating a softer feel to the printed image.

The ink is pushed into the plate using a piece of card as a spatula. Then the plate is then wiped, revealing the inky etched lines of the drawing. I like to leave some ink around the image to create texture or tone. Careful wiping on a specific area can create a highlight.

The drypoint plate will wear out much more quickly than a metal etching plate, so it may be possible to only make 5-10 prints.

Hummingbird is a varied edition of six prints.

'Hummingbird' VE1

Drypoint etching

14.8 x 12cm

£10 unmounted & unframed

Open Studios

I will be taking part in an Open Studios event organised by the Drawn to the Valley Artists Group this year. Over thirty artists will be taking part across the Tamar Valley region, including seven in the Plymouth area.

My studio, at my home in Plymouth, will be open to the public everyday from 29th August to 6th September.

I will be joined by my friend and talented artist, Anne Blackwell-Fox, whose paintings and prints of landscapes and trees work especially well with my printmaking.

On display in the studio will be original framed and unframed artwork and cards, and there will be an opportunity for visitors to make their own print on my beautiful Gunning printing press.

Anne and I will be happy to chat about our processes and inspiration, especially living on the border of Devon and Cornwall, with the coast, countryside and moors to explore.

Look out for the bright green brochures for more details of all the studios to visit.

Studio at 15 Rospeath Crescent, Plymouth PL2 3SY

Open Saturday 29th August - Sunday 6th September

11-5pm everyday, plus late opening on Thursday 3rd Sept til 6.30pm.

Sacred Spaces 2

This is the second version of the paler, atmospheric print 'Sacred Spaces.

I have drawn this specific tree a few times, as I'm particularly attracted to its curving, intertwined branches. The tree is located in the Dartmoor National Park, between Kings Tor and Ingra Tor.

The drawing has been worked in pencil with a small amount of ink pen to highlight certain areas.

Sacred Spaces 2

Monotype and pencil drawing

£225