I am studying Creative Printmaking at the Birmingham Printmakers. Its a six week course, but one which continues throughout the year. Our tutor Paul Bartlett is an amazing artist, and a great tutor. I will be working with drypoint, a method I was taught an age ago, but have not tried again since. Paul recommended we bring something with us to work from – so I thought I would do some more with my hawthorn sketch I did at christmas. It was great to meet other experienced printmakers and to see their work.
Rather than using a metal printing plate, as I’ve used before, I worked on a clear flexible sheet. I found this much easier to mark – with the added benefit of seeing what you are copying underneath. The exercise was not to produce a finished piece but to practice using different tools and making a range of marks. I forgot to photograph the tools – but I image you can use anything which marks the plastic.
Next I inked the plate up with a water-soluble oil based ink using a small rag. The plate was stuck down to the bench with masking tape to stop it moving. The ink was then removed with a clean bit of rag. The skill is to remove the right amount. I ended up with ink all over my hands – I am a messy creative!!
This monster is an intaglio press – you place damped paper on top of the plate (face up) and roll it though. Then its the fun bit – peeling off the paper and revealing your print!
For my first attempt at dry point, I am quite chuffed. Its interesting to see the marks each tool makes – what works and what doesn’t.
A beautiful thing is never perfect 