Descending Ashtray

I picked up The Woodcut Artist’s Handbook the other day as a refresher course in woodcut printing. I was especially interested in some advice on how to print at home without a press (I used an etching press in college).

A lot of good information inside, including relative merits of various wood species, as well as the tools involved. Gabe, I think you should try your hand at woodcut - it’s involves carving, wood, and a lot of elements of both drawing and painting. It might be a nice way to make some money, as well, as you can sell prints cheaper, but in higher quantities. Something to think about.

My goal is to make myself a screw-type press this weekend. It’s something I built in my head a long time ago, and I’ve got all the materials in stock to build it - just need a little time, which the long weekend should afford.

Did another version of the RAF 5×5 last night but didn’t have time to post it. Tonight …

Here are a couple of images I created on the computer to help me compose a woodblock print. I prefer the more spread out version to the tighter one. Both are composed of extremely 2D representations of a 3D sculpture series I’ve been working on.

With the red ink, I think they look very Asian, which of course woodblock prints can look anyway.

I’ll post a carving and watercolor I did of this “junction” tonight.

Gabe, you can comment underneath each post to provide feedback.