This is one of my first pulls of a linoleum print I recently created. The composition was sketched last winter at the Quabbin Reservior. You can see the lines from the marker I used to go over the original drawing. This is done because each layer of ink needs to be washed off before the next color can go on and I don't want to lose my drawing.
The process begins with cutting out the spaces I wanted white, for this piece, the snow will remain white. I then decided what the lightest color would be in the final print. Moving from lightest to darkest works best because the colors are being printed over one another (except for the spaces cut out. I then mixed that color with Akua inks; for this print, a light purple gray for the shadows on the snow. I rolled the ink onto the linoleum with a brayer, then printed it by hand.
My next step is to cut out all the spaces I want light purple gray - mostly the shadows on the snow. I will then choose the next darker color and mix that. You've got to think ahead a step or two for this process. This type of print is referred to as a suicide print because once all the linoleum has been cut there is no way to go back. Planning is key for a successful print.
I'll post the next color steps in a day or two.
Here's a picture of how I keep the registration the same for each print. Here's the blog I found which outlines the process:
printmakersregistrationsystem-mfykes.blogspot.com
Each print is printed in exactly the same place each time! I'm so glad I found the above blog with excellent directions.
I will soon post each color as it is added to each print.
