Creating “Bedtime Stories” linocut
Original Print – Linocut on Paper
This well known landmark, Whitby Abbey, is steeped in myth, legend and rich history…
…it's a place of epic stories if ever there was one. Below it ordinary everyday, yet epic in their way, stories are told and unfold.
Whitby Abbey is on North Yorkshire's coast, and it's looked after by English Heritage. An organisation that cares for many of our older sites.
The abbey is a large ruin, high above the seaside town of Whitby (UK) and the North Sea.
Though much of the building has gone, what's left is still imposing. Its silhouette can be seen from the town and its beach, as well as out at sea.
From down in the valley and across the harbour, you're treated to this view. The contrast of the small, neat, domestic dwellings nestling below, and the tall ravaged abbey profile above tells a story.
The Abbey has a history that's on a large scale, switching between settled and violent over hundreds of years. It's thought the site was occupied by a monastry as early as the 7th Century (601 - 700AD)†.
The homes below are relatively newly built and to my knowledge, they've have never been the site of news‑worthy wars or large communal worship.
Every time I walked the harbour wall on the opposite side of the river Esk, my eyes were drawn to this scene. It struck me, it was a charming image with a great composition, and the contrasting stories of these buildings made it a magical landscape.
The limited edition lino print (relief print) resulting has a rich texture and strong dark colour scheme, evoking a time of day when stories are read before bed.
Four individual lino blocks were cut for this original lino print. Every print in this landscape art limited edition has character – it's an intrinsic quality of art created by hand, and much appreciated by original print collectors.
I'm currently experimenting with a painting of this same scene. I have no idea right now whether it will be completed and see the light of day – but it's an interesting exercise and all part of my constant quest to be a better artist.
Published: Martin, J., 2018, p138-9. The Encyclopedia of Printmaking Techniques
2nd ed. Tunbridge Wells: Search Press Ltd.
Published: Annon, 2017. Blessed are the printmakers, Art + Framing Magazine, January. London:Fine Art Trade Guild.
Exhibited: East Coast Open 2010, Scarborough Art Gallery, Yorkshire, UK.
Cited in review: Heath, Christine (2010). "Exhibition to lift the spirits" Scarborough Evening News. January 27, 2010.