Hello everyone. I went to a print workshop today. We did etching. It was a first for me. So there were lots of surprises. I didn't know so much time is spent on polishing, cleaning, rubbing and waiting. We have done a small zinc plate 10cm. So actual etching time was short about 1 hour or less, in comparison to six hours in total. I had been vaguely interested in printing before, but now I know what it is like, I will probably not do it again. The fumes from Brasso and white spirit gave me a headache. I also found the ink too messy! From now on, I will just admire other people's work more on the knowledge of how much work went in to create their prints in a chemically harsh condition!
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| My idea and the zinc plate |
Mike came to see me with an almond croissant and a cup of coffee at lunch time. We sat on the library sofa and had a quick chat. We always have lunch together unless he is on a business trip. He got me another box of Champagne truffles. He said that it is the other half of Valentine chocolate. It suits me well, as I have eaten three quarters of the first box.
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| The other half of Valentine chocolate. |
Crocus in the garden are so bright and cheerful. They are telling us that spring is approaching. I hope we have seen the last of snow this winter.
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| Lovely Crocuses |
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| Honey suckle with strong scent at the front door |
I have been wondering what the difference was between an etching and a print - and now I understand! Lots of work. Etchings have such great depth it is to be expected. Your sketches are great! Minerva ~
ReplyDeleteHello Minerva. Yes, lots of stinky dirty work involved!
ReplyDeleteoh champagne truffles, I could eat the box myself too, I imagine that there are other types of printing which are not so toxic like an etching ? sweet pug dog. crocus are so hardy, wonderful to imagine the fragrance of the honeysuckle near the front door.
ReplyDeleteHi Linda, I don't know much about other printing, but the ink is oil based, so there is smell of white spirit (to clean it) everywhere. I finally got rid of the headache this morning. I guess glazes are already toxic enough for me! : )
DeleteI like your drawings for the prints, they're going to look great. I've had a couple of attempts at etching but it doesn't suit me, I'm too messy and hated all the cleaning and polishing, too much like housework! ;) It's good to try though isn't it? I admire other people's etchings and think I ought to give it another go but no. I think not. ;)xx
ReplyDeleteHi Jess. Yes, it was like housework, which I don't like! (Mildly put it) ;) Yes, unless I tried I wouldn't know it wasn't for me. So I have learnt one thing. :)
DeleteDon't give up on printing. Etching is such an involved and difficult printing process but other methods are so easy and quick and much more fun eg: lino, woodcut, screenprinting.
ReplyDeleteLovely early honeysuckle. This spell of sunshine is so welcome - enjoy.
Hi Patricia. I didn't know that etching a difficult one. It was definitely smelly one! :S I take your advice, if there is an opportunity I will try different printing. : )
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