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Saturday 16 February 2013

Print workshop

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!

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.

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.

Lovely Crocuses 

Honey suckle with strong scent at the front door






8 comments:

  1. 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 ~

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  2. Hello Minerva. Yes, lots of stinky dirty work involved!

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  3. oh 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.

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    1. Hi 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! : )

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  4. I 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

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    1. Hi 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. :)

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  5. Don'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.
    Lovely early honeysuckle. This spell of sunshine is so welcome - enjoy.

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    1. 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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