What Shall I Make Next? - Part 2

I always have a backlog of ideas for my next linoleum block print, and my customers do influence what comes next. In some cases I have a specific request from a customer, or in this case, from a gallery. The Arts Center of Lake Placid is hosting a special exhibition entitled “The Art of Flight,”  which will open in May. I was thrilled to be assigned the Loon as the subject matter for my submission. 

I have done several Loon prints over the years and they are always very popular. The black and white pattern of the Loon’s feathers lends itself to block printing, because it is so graphic in nature. I have already begun work on the block, which depicts a family of Loons swimming on a misty morning. 

Here is the first color on the paper. I printed the black first because that is the primary foreground color and the Loons are the most detailed part of the image. I have now cut out the body of the Loons and I’m about to print the second color.

The photo on the left is the block with the white areas carved. On the right, I have carved away what is going to stay black. Next, I will print the second color.

I need to deliver the finished print to the Art Center on May 14th, which seems like far, far away. I estimate I have already put in approximately ten hours of labor in planning, carving, and printing. A four color reduction process print takes weeks, not days to execute from start to finish. 

If you live near Gloversville, NY, be sure to check out my exhibit at the Micropolis Gallery  on Main Street. The show opened March 12th and runs through the end of April.  

 Be sure to  Subscribe to my newsletter to see all my blogs, and get updates on my shows.  To see my finished Linoleum Block Prints, featuring landscapes of upstate New York, dogs and their people,  and moonlight prints, visit my online store at  www.DCastleBabcockArt.com.