Creating “Mid-Blue” linocut
Original Print – Linocut on Paper
This contemporary block print uses etching to create a bold minimal graphic work of fine art.
Sky art has 'it'
My collection is more landscape art, than skyscape art. Skies are so important to landscape art – they set the mood and lighting for the whole piece.
I've a few skyscapes in my collection, and often ponder doing a 'project' that focusses on skies only. So far, there's been too much landscape about, asking for paintings of itself (they do that), to allow time for sky only art.
Handmade and modern art
While modern and 'graphic design' in appearance this art is handmade and unmistakably rooted in printmaking tradition.
I'll freely admit this print was an experiment. I used a technique I'd not tried before – linocut block etching. A caustic substance dissolves lino after being painted on the lino block. It's another way of creating relief contouring different from using cutters.
It's not exactly the most controllable of processes, but it was an interesting exercise. The resulting print has a quality that sets it apart from other lino prints.
Etching with a liquid creates an usual edges effect and gives the cloud subject an organic shape.
Because it's an experimental print there are only 12 available. And despite the size of the print, I've decided to offer it at a really low price.
A deceptively simple bold design, I spent a lot of time carefully mixing and rolling, and then remixing and rolling the graduated blue background before I settled on an aesthetic that worked.
The quest to be a better artist
It's always worth exploring ways of representing sky, especially in a medium that doesn't necessarily lend itself to soft fluffy edges.
The printmaking medium of linocut naturally favours sharp, clearly defined – often quite graphic design style – compositions. I'm always on a quest to be a better artist though, so push I regularly deliberately push the boundaries of all the art mediums I work with.
Do I feel this lino print making method was a successful one? Yes. I learned a new technique which is good enough on it's own – I also think with a bit of practice the approach could play a role in my printmaking.