Printing squarely - first proof

I stuck with my square format for one more print and found that it is a satisfying shape to work on. I can see a much larger square print 'thing' developing later this year.

My sketchbooks are square, I like the shape and they're easy to hold. This last few prints have been a fascinating direct translation from sketchbook to plate. This sketch follows a similar composition to the previous print, so maybe the two pieces will work well as a pair...

Oct 5th 5.15pm - warm. Mountain bike family whir and shake

My caption on my sketch refers to the noise and movement of the family of mountain bikers as they variously whirred or shook as they passed me, depending on the route they took over the ground, some shaking more than others! The captions I write when I make the sketch are really important to me, they take me back to the moment; feeling the light and sensing the experience of being there, wherever it was. They won't always make sense to other people but perhaps they allow people to identify with what I'm doing.

First proof - stop out

The first etching stage puts most of the tone in, if I'm lucky. My luck held on this one, I got most of the structure. The leading lines of the lane already draws the focus to the distance.
But... not enough fullness to the mass of tree and hedge, and I want more texture on the path. Another coat of stop out is required.
Back to the print room!

Sketchbook - a familiar place

I didn't do too badly with my 'sketch a day' challenge. I limited the challenge to the school holiday, knowing that with the best will in the world I would not get out every day once the organised chaos of the school year started. Over the 6 week hols I missed just two days, and only twice had to take shelter from the rain to draw, although some days I had to time my drawing quite carefully!

As the days went by I found myself returning to a couple of spots to draw more than once. It became an intriguing thing to do, what would I look for on each occasion?

This is a familiar place that I drew 4 times, the sketches are starting to provide a much fuller picture than my photographs can...

surface

structure

 

focal point

 

light

Changes in light and mood, the influence of the weather, building memory. Building blocks for future work.

 

 

Revealed structure

I've been eagerly awaiting the fall of leaves from the trees so that I can once again see the structures and enjoy the stronger, more dynamic shadows.

A recent visit to Westonbirt Arboretum shows that the leaves have fallen and the structures have been revealed.

The interplay of shadows and tree trunks is very inspiring at this time of year, we enjoyed making the most of this clear sunny day. Now I'm itching to get going on new drawings and etchings.