tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15828360602912988532024-03-13T09:19:22.144-07:00From Beneath The BlanketsThe smell of the inks,the energy involved in working the plate, the feel of the paper and of course the magic of the press all play a role in printmakings allure. There are always new challenges to be met, problems to be solved and unlimited possibilities. At the end of a printing session, it is always magical to find out what lies "beneath the blankets".Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-47228846238131237282021-01-05T07:20:00.001-08:002021-01-05T07:20:44.329-08:00New Year, new exchange portfolio challenge.<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YHy7ZPF44E/X_SA0R_kHEI/AAAAAAAAPgc/tLhVbCDVfdQ2k7MwD1bNKPCUfR3Pe9KUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_3907.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0; text-align: center; "><img alt="" border="0" width="320" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0YHy7ZPF44E/X_SA0R_kHEI/AAAAAAAAPgc/tLhVbCDVfdQ2k7MwD1bNKPCUfR3Pe9KUQCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/IMG_3907.jpg"/></a></div>
First print of the new year underway for the Remarque 2021 Print Exchange. I couldn't wait to see 2020 end and hoped to leave last year's challenges behind. This image seemed a fitting first edition for 2021.
The subject is based on images of my late fater-in-law's overstuffed garage. The silhoutted figure in the doorway turns away from the jumbled mess, leaving it all behind.
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As the sun was setting, I had my edition completed. It's a photopolymer intaglio with chine colle'.
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This fabulous Christmas gift was a very welcome addition to the studio and makes cutting plates to size a breeze. Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-77459320027842175772020-09-03T12:57:00.000-07:002020-09-03T12:57:08.129-07:00September - The month for new beginnings.<p>It's the beginning of September and as a former teaching artist, it's a month I've always associated with new beginnings and fresh starts; a perfect time to begin a new print. <br /></p><p>I'm working from a couple of Mark Twain quotes for my inspiration. <i> </i></p><p><i>"In my age, as in my youth, night brings me many a deep remorse. I realize that from the cradle up I have been like the rest of the race - never quite sane in the night." </i></p><p><i>"How stunning are the changes which age makes in a man while he sleeps!"</i></p><p>For reasons I can't really explain, I identified with both of these quotes and realized that this was an opportune time to play around with a self-portrait. I started with some sketches and photos, downloaded and manipulated them in Photo Shop, arrived at a composition that held promise and created a film for exposing a photopolymer plate. <br /></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrjR-makHYQ/X1FEoQ5bNLI/AAAAAAAAPGM/8w7j14RZr0g3qfmEiFKFosq4-heO_PMxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2976.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="500" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-hrjR-makHYQ/X1FEoQ5bNLI/AAAAAAAAPGM/8w7j14RZr0g3qfmEiFKFosq4-heO_PMxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w375-h500/IMG_2976.jpg" width="375" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Film Positive</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /> </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcDrtTbqzQg/X1FGqDMf1EI/AAAAAAAAPGo/NI5MkxzIYVQyY1TXhox6y_u3RL6ihEstwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2975.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tcDrtTbqzQg/X1FGqDMf1EI/AAAAAAAAPGo/NI5MkxzIYVQyY1TXhox6y_u3RL6ihEstwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2975.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just processed photopolymer plate.<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6VvEykWi0/X1FHLnZfSYI/AAAAAAAAPGw/r1s5jaobJRoocKnAOC7LsYH834azfJ0LwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2988.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-y-6VvEykWi0/X1FHLnZfSYI/AAAAAAAAPGw/r1s5jaobJRoocKnAOC7LsYH834azfJ0LwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2988.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First Proof<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p>The plate printed really well and I was pleased with the first proof. Now to determine ink color and whether or not to hand color areas or add chine colle'. Definitely off to a fresh start.<br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajaBKSvR8Dk/X1FHZza7xKI/AAAAAAAAPG0/TylDDTHrWXcdDKUjNQKHYtv_zHjbd6ADwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_2992.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajaBKSvR8Dk/X1FHZza7xKI/AAAAAAAAPG0/TylDDTHrWXcdDKUjNQKHYtv_zHjbd6ADwCLcBGAsYHQ/w400-h300/IMG_2992.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Color options<br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p><br /></p>Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-80602069055036676502020-07-09T11:25:00.002-07:002020-07-09T11:25:22.079-07:00Threading and Unthreading<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Took a bit of trial and error to figure out a the best sequence for "connecting-the-dots". First try the thread was too short. Second try I missed a connection. Once I had it worked out I made notes to be able to replicate the process for the edition. </div>
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Finally worked out the threading kinks. Now to print a small edition, figure out how to secure the threads, maybe cover the back, and settle on a title.<br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-7553883100991284072020-07-08T13:25:00.001-07:002020-07-08T13:25:41.093-07:00ConnectingI'm continuing to work on my Pandemic Series. This one I'm doing for an upcoming Boston Printmakers members show that will be coming up next year during the Southern Graphics International Conference in Providence, R.I.<a href="https://www.bostonprintmakers.org/members-shows/connect/" target="_blank"> https://www.bostonprintmakers.org/members-shows/connect/</a><br />
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The theme is Connect; an exhibition prompted by the theme of “communication”. Artists are challenged to
create cellphone-sized plates with a variety of “messaging,” “news,” or
whatever they want to “post.” <br />
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Staying connected to family and friends has been a challenge with social distancing in place. There are so many guidelines in place that I felt that a "connect-the-dots" would emphasize the fragile maintenance of connections.<br />
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This is the first proof of my 4'x6" image. I'm thinking of ties that bind, so the plan is to add thread to connect the dots. <br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-91348731606394873952020-06-11T12:59:00.000-07:002020-06-11T12:59:00.344-07:00Navigating difficult times<br />
I haven't done any monoprints in awhile so my
original intention was to create a series of unique prints based on a single theme rather than print an edition. Right now I have a few interesting images and lots of ideas for directions in which to take them.<br />
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This is the newest addition to the series. I feel everyone is attempting to navigate this "new normal" as best they can and by whatever means they feel necessary. It's a precarious balance between shutting yourself off from life and venturing out while trying to avoid hazards. The faces in this series are, for the most part, purposely silhouetted; they could
represent anyone and everyone.<br />
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This one will offer a few different approaches as well so I need to just sit with it for the time being.<br />
There is definitely plenty of time for the studio.<br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-64211552174904454272020-06-11T10:36:00.000-07:002020-06-11T10:36:13.752-07:00Lots to work with<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Like Covid-19, my pandemic series is growing.<br />
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I wanted to try a different approach to my social distancing piece so I created two separate plates and printed them side by side.<br />
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Since it was always my intention to tear a gap between the two images, it doesn't matter that you can see where the two plates meet. <br />
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A smaller plate of the Covid-19 virus was printed on rice paper and a second print had rubber stamped houses added.<br />
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After carefully tearing the prints, I added the two different virus images from behind. Things look promising.<br />
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The best thing to do now is to live with these images for a bit and consider my options.<br />
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Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-404304333428577162020-06-01T09:12:00.003-07:002020-06-01T09:12:53.982-07:00Sacrificial Proofs<br />
New week, new print in the works.<br />
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I wanted to do a piece referencing social distancing, since we're all experiencing separation anxiety in one way or another. I've given this image a lot of thought and wanted to try something different. So lots of experimentation is required before the piece is resolved, which means sacrificing a few prints.<br />
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I'm keeping the rope web theme of the previous pieces but want to tear into this print and add other elements. There's lots of different directions I can go with this one so I'm planning on doing this as a series of monoprints. Besides, it will be next to impossible to get each tear the same for an edition.<br />
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The first tear was the hardest; trying to get it just so. This seems too wide but I wanted to see how a print of the virus would look added behind the print.<br />
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I then tried a double print. The virus plate was printed on one side of the paper and the figurative print on the other. Since I was considering leaving the torn curl of paper on the print, this allowed me to have an image on the back side of the torn piece. I liked this but will need to make the torn shape a bit larger, or the virus print a bit smaller, to be effective. I may even decide to eliminate it altogether. <br />
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Next experiment, a rubber stamp (made from an eraser) of a simple house shape. This was printed on Awagami paper and placed in the void. This looks promising too.<br />
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At the moment, lots to consider as I grapple with this piece. Looking forward to a week of experimentation.<br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-71089064995437049252020-05-31T11:51:00.002-07:002020-05-31T11:51:47.670-07:00Creative process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Any creative process is a series of twists and turns. You begin with an idea and see where it takes you. Sometimes it's obvious which direction to go in and other times there are detours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DouFRmnJ9Cg/Xs_QgZ6S54I/AAAAAAAAOrY/2xSfJnIeQSQK5suo-u-JyxYAlWetnZDdgCPcBGAYYCw/s1600/covid%2Bplay%2Bflat%2Bfinal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DouFRmnJ9Cg/Xs_QgZ6S54I/AAAAAAAAOrY/2xSfJnIeQSQK5suo-u-JyxYAlWetnZDdgCPcBGAYYCw/s320/covid%2Bplay%2Bflat%2Bfinal.jpg" width="256" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Film positive 1</td></tr>
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I started another piece for my pandemic series. It began with two plates: a figure in a rope web and an image of Covid-19.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Film positive 2</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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I originally thought that a break between the two images would work well and represent a safety zone between the virus and the figure.<br />
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After pulling a proof and contemplating my next move, I decided that I wasn't happy with the image divided in two. It didn't look cohesive. The two smaller plates won't be discarded and will be fun to experiment with and see how they can be used in a different way.<br />
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The image was reworked and a new Solarplate exposed.<br />
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I'm happier with the new proof. Compositionally, the image is much more successful. Now to decide which direction to take.<br />
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I felt a second plate for background color would add to the imageI took the removable plastic sheet that protects the Solarplate and making sure that both plates were the same size, I rolled on color.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuRIWNlisLw/XtP7BN0RsfI/AAAAAAAAOr8/wRerqcJOPBkpTmBLWzQuhUyAAnNgVusdACEwYBhgLKsoDAL1OcqxESVCQ0IJVdH6c3q1-8pllB7VUs4Y8_3P2cpq39Mhl08LDMTfZrOskXTApcs3lEPNr7VRxb84oEImMtZlwjSLJefMNAxHnw3GmptCfgkNVjCDIW5AvRhneCMGt-UCZ12jhkCN3w6FrOCAeXXoqxCYKLz5lAOlt9YDE0m6z7ToArjfJ2kj6IfwCSpR6rEMwFmCOWeuLJwi5OmuzsWoN6L_AG5YuY9xuj51H7-JrHTRSBp_axXtXMcKI61R_TtExisOYLJTvlZqJfQzQWvEt32OSf0RR9KIsXhhVRPqMXJogCJH8Pfh-wZaMVsIjpknQB8SgthVxb3ChRYkC9hmfkneLp4nQvfOwhLObhWjlF8lYWlimtrL3q0iZpMo7KSQF3yI4ZcMnIICZQiB0oZcLaen4N8J0KjsE8tvtMiPoe4uGleIhaSQmbN5Nnx6CMGEDrrd-cqOd_ZQq-TgflfkcB5S3wDN3gvQ4TuAOIkl3bip7J9HkHltdTnyCCtxRvEPzU0plkPLsAZ2xndO6fsul0jaN_n4rM0CiKFg6TDZ-yMXdBjpLuG2_3r6RDKbToI3zbBz-Flxc0w5jfZJYecmDwMpVWbUN8cIw8PrP9gU/s1600/IMG_2378.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LuRIWNlisLw/XtP7BN0RsfI/AAAAAAAAOr8/wRerqcJOPBkpTmBLWzQuhUyAAnNgVusdACEwYBhgLKsoDAL1OcqxESVCQ0IJVdH6c3q1-8pllB7VUs4Y8_3P2cpq39Mhl08LDMTfZrOskXTApcs3lEPNr7VRxb84oEImMtZlwjSLJefMNAxHnw3GmptCfgkNVjCDIW5AvRhneCMGt-UCZ12jhkCN3w6FrOCAeXXoqxCYKLz5lAOlt9YDE0m6z7ToArjfJ2kj6IfwCSpR6rEMwFmCOWeuLJwi5OmuzsWoN6L_AG5YuY9xuj51H7-JrHTRSBp_axXtXMcKI61R_TtExisOYLJTvlZqJfQzQWvEt32OSf0RR9KIsXhhVRPqMXJogCJH8Pfh-wZaMVsIjpknQB8SgthVxb3ChRYkC9hmfkneLp4nQvfOwhLObhWjlF8lYWlimtrL3q0iZpMo7KSQF3yI4ZcMnIICZQiB0oZcLaen4N8J0KjsE8tvtMiPoe4uGleIhaSQmbN5Nnx6CMGEDrrd-cqOd_ZQq-TgflfkcB5S3wDN3gvQ4TuAOIkl3bip7J9HkHltdTnyCCtxRvEPzU0plkPLsAZ2xndO6fsul0jaN_n4rM0CiKFg6TDZ-yMXdBjpLuG2_3r6RDKbToI3zbBz-Flxc0w5jfZJYecmDwMpVWbUN8cIw8PrP9gU/s320/IMG_2378.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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I'm pleased with the results and will now experiment with color strength.</div>
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-75398625107583662632020-05-28T07:46:00.002-07:002020-05-28T07:46:21.261-07:00Virus Series in the works<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Second print under way.</div>
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Again, I'm working with a Solarplate. I'm not so taken with the print yet and feel it needs something else. The dress has the virus pattern on it but I added chine colle' to highlight it.<br />
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I also applied a sheet of Awagami decorative paper to the background.<br />
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The print still needs some tweaking. Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-23014813174760061812020-05-07T07:59:00.000-07:002020-05-07T07:59:12.519-07:00The state of thingsOne advantage to staying home is that there's plenty of studio time. Keeping busy helps me to not obsess about the state of things ... while working on a series about the state of things. Ha! <br />
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Going through my photos, I found a couple of shots of the grand-kids climbing a web like rope structure. Being trapped in that environment seemed like the perfect metaphor for societies current situation: social distancing, quarantine, uncertainty, misinformation and conflicting viewpoints. <br />
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My originals were downloaded to PhotoShop, manipulated and extra webbing was added using a discarded onion bag. Positives were printed.<br />
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I exposed a Solarplate with the figure image, then decided to also create a second plate using ImagOn film for an image of the actual Covid-19 virus.<br />
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I was pretty happy with the outcome. My intention was to keep the figure fairly silhouetted so it would represent no one individual, but rather any individual. <br />
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I was even happier after I added the background plate of the virus. <br />
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<span id="goog_1788546219"></span><span id="goog_1788546220"></span><br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-74673814571536166532020-04-23T11:26:00.003-07:002020-04-23T11:26:58.702-07:00Green Door International Print Exchange<br />
Today I completed my edition of ten for the 2020 Green Door IPE. <a href="https://www.internationalprintexchange.org/" target="_blank">https://www.internationalprintexchange.org/</a><br />
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I've participated in this exchange for a few years now and enjoy playing around with such a small format; paper size is a mere 5.5" square and the image no more than 3.9". I decided that in this time of pandemic gloom and doom, I would focus on a positive image - my forsythia bush.<br />
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After playing around with various colors, I decided to keep it simple and fairly monochromatic. Since this shrub is know for it sunny color, I went with bright yellow Akua intaglio ink on Awagami's Washi paper. The paper was a pale creamy color with fine fibers running throughout, so printing with the bright color was simple and effective.<br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-62797850895826960772020-04-22T12:55:00.000-07:002020-06-11T08:38:31.100-07:00Emerald Print Exchange<br />
A dozen prints signed and labeled for this year's Emerald Print Exchange. <a href="https://www.whitprint.com/emerald-print-exchange" target="_blank">https://www.whitprint.com/emerald-print-exchange</a><br />
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Restraint is a 5"x7" photopolymer intaglio bleed print. I chose the bleed print format because, in itself, that is a form of restraint on the image. Using a subtle tint of color also complimented the idea of restraint.<br />
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The title was chosen for obvious reasons, since that is the purpose of a girdle. But I couldn't help but be aware, that in these strange times in which we are living in, there is definitely a sense of restraint on all levels of life. May it not be like that for long.Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-62144332817320012872020-04-22T08:21:00.000-07:002020-04-22T08:21:50.903-07:00<br />
Another rainy day here in Connecticut. I take advantage of gray days here at TreeTop Press because less sun coming in the windows means it's a little easier to work with photopolymer plates.<br />
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Going through my shelves finding small sizes of plates and hoping some of the older ones are still viable. (I would hate to venture a guess as to how old these orange Solarplates are.) Big difference compared to the newer gold plate.<br />
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Turns out the plates worked! I created a positive from a photo I took of some overgrown beach grass and snow fence and was pleased with the image. After proofing I decided that I preferred the starkness of the black and white print.<br />
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I printed an edition of 15 on Arnham cream paper for this years 9INHANDPRESS international print exchange. Image size 5"x 5" on 8"x 10" paper. Check out the requirements if you're looking for something to keep you busy during this social distancing. <a href="https://www.9inhandpress.com/print-exchange-2020.html" target="_blank">https://www.9inhandpress.com/print-exchange-2020.html</a><br />
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Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-74027025606908458952020-04-01T09:12:00.002-07:002020-04-01T09:22:59.876-07:00Double meaningCompleted my first piece for the upcoming show at the Mark Twain house, which is scheduled for 2022/2023. <br />
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"Caustic" is a monoprint collage. My inspiration was a quote about anger which resonated on a personal level. Everyone gets angry. But, there are some angers that are so deep seated one has to make an effort not to let them eat away at you. Even though you keep them hidden, there are times when they occupy ones thoughts more than intended.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In progress close-up of "Caustic"</td></tr>
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Starting with a shadow image of myself, a series of photos were downloaded and manipulated in PhotoShop. The Solarplate I made was printed on both Arnham paper and rice paper. At this point I wasn't sure which direction this would go but decided to cut out the figure and use assorted Awagami Japanese papers to fill the void, allowing me to build up a mixture of colors, layers and textures. See the completed piece here <a href="https://mknightleary.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">https://mknightleary.blogspot.com/</a>.<br />
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When I began working on this the Corona Virus pandemic hadn't hit it's peak in this country, but not
the case as I was finishing it up. Sadly, the image took on a whole new
meaning as more and more people were being diagnosed with Covid 19. Instead of anger I keep thinking about a virus attacking the body. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUV5yvU2JPc/XoS7mTdRNPI/AAAAAAAAOXs/3i9ciSTdAYMywaArhM6DSPhIE7CvDn20wCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/C%2B19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1214" data-original-width="1600" height="241" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jUV5yvU2JPc/XoS7mTdRNPI/AAAAAAAAOXs/3i9ciSTdAYMywaArhM6DSPhIE7CvDn20wCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/C%2B19.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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When I recently found this image on line, the resemblance to my print was definitely unsettling. Time to explore the possibilities of a second monoprint. <br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-51809758617402610142020-03-16T12:28:00.003-07:002020-03-16T12:35:51.268-07:00Social Distancing in the StudioWith everyone hunkering down because of the Covid 19 pandemic, the studio is the perfect place to keep busy, in solitude.<br />
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I'm currently working on a piece for an upcoming group
show at the Mark Twain House in Hartford, Ct. Artist members from the
Printmakers' Network of Southern New England are challenged to create
work based on the writings of Mark Twain. After reading a number of his
quotes, one in particular spoke to me on a personal level.<br />
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<i>"Anger is an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured."</i><br />
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Seems
as though there is so much to be angry about these days: the state of
our government, ineffective politicians, an egotistical president and
now an uncontrollable pandemic. I need to remind myself to step back from things that are uncontrollable and just breath.<br />
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I found an old piece of Solarplate and decided to see if it was still usable. Turned out it worked. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7ljiXt5eYs/Xm_OfdVRZ8I/AAAAAAAAOTw/uBSrDzkrA5U2gzzaMznTErMX9PsIiy8pACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/steps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="1600" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-v7ljiXt5eYs/Xm_OfdVRZ8I/AAAAAAAAOTw/uBSrDzkrA5U2gzzaMznTErMX9PsIiy8pACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/steps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inkjet positive Inked Solarplate Proof </td></tr>
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At the moment, I'm approaching this as a one-of-a-kind print collage. The image is based on a shadow photographed along the beach. Waves were added along with some surface bubbles; appropriate since waves, like acid, are capable of damaging erosion.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpfcsMQn1uA/Xm_FvTaknbI/AAAAAAAAOSs/mROC1icyu4MgntaESGK_gM0zL8HZzi4SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1943.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VpfcsMQn1uA/Xm_FvTaknbI/AAAAAAAAOSs/mROC1icyu4MgntaESGK_gM0zL8HZzi4SQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1943.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I carefully cut out the figure and used a hole punch to create voids in some of the bubbles.<br />
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I'm not sure if I'll print a monotype plate to add color behind the figure or use a variety of Awagami Japanese papers to fill in the void. Right now I'm kind of liking the papers.<br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-36848689803887653462020-02-01T07:58:00.002-08:002020-02-01T08:00:14.990-08:00New Year - New Challenges<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My guy surprised me with a fabulous Xmas present - an Ink Jet printer. </div>
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Whenever I've worked in a photopolymer studio setting, I've noticed that they create their film positives using an ink jet rather than a laser printer. The quality of the image always seemed spot on.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NocrzN22iXo/XjWYUZmY0oI/AAAAAAAAMX0/Ttzcpmf-xbAoNq4mO0IGFVqKeU2EiN9XwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1590.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NocrzN22iXo/XjWYUZmY0oI/AAAAAAAAMX0/Ttzcpmf-xbAoNq4mO0IGFVqKeU2EiN9XwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1590.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Today I finally had a chance to do some testing with my new printer.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-2jTeAEY2Y/XjWYUdsJk2I/AAAAAAAAMXs/Ve6sv7-qtugqr2JP66Es7SoZHrhukfaYACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o-2jTeAEY2Y/XjWYUdsJk2I/AAAAAAAAMXs/Ve6sv7-qtugqr2JP66Es7SoZHrhukfaYACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1589.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I created the film yesterday and let it dry over night. I was excited by the clarity of the image.<br />
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This morning I was eager to see how the film would work so didn't bother with small step-test Solarplates. I lost some of the subtle values with a bit too much exposure but liked what I saw after processing the plate; lots of detail.<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3lUp-rFL6g/XjWYVP81QaI/AAAAAAAAMXw/0G3B-eHZs_cUZ-LJlePDumfxZgvkVjh4wCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1591.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W3lUp-rFL6g/XjWYVP81QaI/AAAAAAAAMXw/0G3B-eHZs_cUZ-LJlePDumfxZgvkVjh4wCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1591.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I was also eager to try some Gamblin oil based ink. I was surprised to find that many workshops use oil based ink when printing their Solarplates claiming it produced a better image. Some even mix the Akua ink with the oil based.<br />
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Being a devoted Akua user, it's been awhile since I've used oil based ink and had forgotten how different it is to wipe the plate - more labor intensive. I printed on damp Arnham paper and ended up with a decent print. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nuDxANCMjQ/XjWYVjO5UKI/AAAAAAAAMX0/5xE9_GuSJQ8-ctp67StfdPLpb-_AyqwqwCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1594.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7nuDxANCMjQ/XjWYVjO5UKI/AAAAAAAAMX0/5xE9_GuSJQ8-ctp67StfdPLpb-_AyqwqwCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1594.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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For comparison, I inked the plate with Akua Intaglio soy based ink. Much easier to wipe. Same damp paper was used and I ended up with another good print. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ODb7mrJ8ww/XjWbxGpF21I/AAAAAAAAMYA/D1N1Ne9hIlE0gp_Q4bFTJINXru3xQmQlACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_1596.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3ODb7mrJ8ww/XjWbxGpF21I/AAAAAAAAMYA/D1N1Ne9hIlE0gp_Q4bFTJINXru3xQmQlACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_1596.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Here are the two proofs side by side. The Akua ink on the left and the Gamblin to the right. There is less plate tone with the Akua but both inks produced a good print. I like the Akua one better but more experimenting is planned. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvY0fIepj8k/XjWYWSKAugI/AAAAAAAAMX4/-_0HJKx8iFsaBgBRUIZHvjp9Ljzw3q4HACEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_1595.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CvY0fIepj8k/XjWYWSKAugI/AAAAAAAAMX4/-_0HJKx8iFsaBgBRUIZHvjp9Ljzw3q4HACEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_1595.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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I think I'll continue to play around with this plate and use it for an upcoming exchange portfolio.<br />
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So, I'm off to a good start and hope to get some momentum going for a decent 2020 in the studio.Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-83370533230603757282019-11-01T12:15:00.003-07:002019-11-01T12:20:15.502-07:00Doubling up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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More experimenting with film positives today. The first trials revealed
that the darker ink jet positive rendered more detail & a deeper
bite to the Solarplate. What if I printed out two exact images on my
laser printer and overlapped them?</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two laser prints on DuraLar film.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After carefully lining them up and weighting them down, I taped the positives together.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Print Frog holding film positives together for taping.</td></tr>
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I exposed the Solarplate to the doubled up film positive using the same settings as yesterday. After processing it looked promising.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exposed Solarplate.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><br /></td></tr>
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As I carded the ink onto the plate, I could feel quite a bit of drag due to the surface texture.</div>
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I ended up with a very dark proof and much of the subtle detail was missing. Quite disappointing. I probably should have increased the exposure time since the darks were much stronger with the double positives.</div>
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Even though I overlapped the two films very carefully, the final proof had a bit of a foggy look; it the lacked crispness that was in my earlier experiments. <br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akH_Fs4D_Wk/Xbx_YprUDOI/AAAAAAAAJo0/QWeIAfyibkMWvnk7OD2b_q3QIPq66iWWACEwYBhgL/s1600/proof%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="720" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-akH_Fs4D_Wk/Xbx_YprUDOI/AAAAAAAAJo0/QWeIAfyibkMWvnk7OD2b_q3QIPq66iWWACEwYBhgL/s400/proof%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Since I'm now out of Solarplates, that puts and end to my experimenting. In a couple of weeks, I'll order more Solarplates, a few Toyobo plates and some oil based inks to do a few more tests.<br />
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It was worth giving the double positives a try. I'm sure I'll eventually hit upon the perfect combination of variables.Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-76465129555939615812019-10-30T10:14:00.000-07:002019-10-30T10:31:08.811-07:00Film Positives - Laser vs. Ink Jet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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This morning was a continuation of the weekends workshop with a focus on comparison testing. Which film positive works best for Solarplate photopolymer printing... one from an ink jet printer or one from a laser printer?<br />
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Before I left Zea Mayes, I had a film positive made on their ink jet printer so when I was back in my studio I could compare that to my laser printer. The first thing I did was print the same image using my laser printer. The ink jet positive appeared much darker in comparison.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink Jet Film Positive</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wNaCWiGqQc/XbnDEg7RK0I/AAAAAAAAJns/dJ9nqswPC2sSApVzyGdkUZJFGH4PPnSewCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Laser%2Bpositive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6wNaCWiGqQc/XbnDEg7RK0I/AAAAAAAAJns/dJ9nqswPC2sSApVzyGdkUZJFGH4PPnSewCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Laser%2Bpositive.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser Film Positive</td></tr>
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After determining the best exposure time, I made two plates. After processing, I could immediately see a difference. The plate exposed with the ink jet positive was stronger in appearance and seemed to have more detail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PQTTHM41BY/Xbmt_D17sNI/AAAAAAAAJms/sIuFqHpuXscZaxoK1gjR_rl15RpGKsl6gCEwYBhgL/s1600/positive%2Bcomparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="669" data-original-width="1600" height="166" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1PQTTHM41BY/Xbmt_D17sNI/AAAAAAAAJms/sIuFqHpuXscZaxoK1gjR_rl15RpGKsl6gCEwYBhgL/s400/positive%2Bcomparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Left: Ink Jet Positive - Right Laser Positive</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVnQ9wTDRKs/Xbmtw8PcreI/AAAAAAAAJm0/ozSpYxngr2Yg5p-8gC8v_SqU7t1musuCgCEwYBhgL/s1600/Exposed%2Bplate%2Bink%2Bjet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mVnQ9wTDRKs/Xbmtw8PcreI/AAAAAAAAJm0/ozSpYxngr2Yg5p-8gC8v_SqU7t1musuCgCEwYBhgL/s400/Exposed%2Bplate%2Bink%2Bjet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink Jet</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDeJAr0pqUc/XbmttxaWdmI/AAAAAAAAJmk/I44g-7aBV-YskOcljuMiRmESLqBj6goegCEwYBhgL/s1600/Exposed%2Bplate%2Blaser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eDeJAr0pqUc/XbmttxaWdmI/AAAAAAAAJmk/I44g-7aBV-YskOcljuMiRmESLqBj6goegCEwYBhgL/s400/Exposed%2Bplate%2Blaser.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser</td></tr>
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I carded the ink onto the exposed plates using Akua carbon black intaglio ink and I could feel a distinct difference between the two plates. The one exposed to the ink jet positive had a lot more tooth, appeared to be more deeply "bitten" and obviously held more ink.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F98z2Hbabpo/Xbmt4UpnxiI/AAAAAAAAJm0/3obfQ040HMcuxYP35TeOZVqKQqd1nhSugCEwYBhgL/s1600/comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="843" data-original-width="1600" height="210" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-F98z2Hbabpo/Xbmt4UpnxiI/AAAAAAAAJm0/3obfQ040HMcuxYP35TeOZVqKQqd1nhSugCEwYBhgL/s400/comparison.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inked Plates: Ink Jet left - Laser right</td></tr>
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I printed on dampened Hahnemhule Copperplate paper. There was a definite difference between the prints. It was obvious that the plate exposed to the ink jet positive produced richer blacks (almost too dark in places) and held more detail.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URwnSWjExj0/Xbm2ZYYhQgI/AAAAAAAAJnM/uuqwHDU4xAQqT1w6DnkqfdrWEW1Jm1yAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/inkjet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1154" data-original-width="1600" height="287" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-URwnSWjExj0/Xbm2ZYYhQgI/AAAAAAAAJnM/uuqwHDU4xAQqT1w6DnkqfdrWEW1Jm1yAgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/inkjet.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ink Jet</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5aDpL1jLHU/Xbm2ZG9xQ4I/AAAAAAAAJnI/16VNzSBYl9ctmRqVgQtuadLfTNs8m0eOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/laser.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1600" height="282" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D5aDpL1jLHU/Xbm2ZG9xQ4I/AAAAAAAAJnI/16VNzSBYl9ctmRqVgQtuadLfTNs8m0eOQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/laser.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laser</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Doing this test was time well spent. I've always wondered if the two types of printers would yield different results when working with Solarplates.<br />
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As mentioned in the previous post, the type of printing ink used also makes a difference. Now I'll need to reprint the plates using an oil based ink to see how that affects the final print. What's important to me at this point, is that the type of printer used to make your film positive definitely has an impact on plate exposure and the printed image.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_rbQe5I2us/XbnDeddSbYI/AAAAAAAAJn4/TbNUvigKP6khDWODxhvRWU-HdpKieFNVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Prints%2Bpositives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M_rbQe5I2us/XbnDeddSbYI/AAAAAAAAJn4/TbNUvigKP6khDWODxhvRWU-HdpKieFNVQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Prints%2Bpositives.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Prints & Film Positives - Ink Jet top / Laser Bottom</td></tr>
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-57825290970829859032019-10-29T09:43:00.000-07:002019-10-29T09:43:07.562-07:00Ink ChoicesSo, at this weekends workshop, the instructor preferred using oil based ink with the Toyobo plates. She felt that it yielded better results and richer color. Because I use Akua intaglio soy based ink, I had to try printing the plates using that ink.<br />
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I printed the plates on the same paper we used in the workshop: damp Hahnemhule Copperplate. This is what I found.<br />
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Initially, when I pulled the proofs, it appeared as though the prints were similar. The detail appeared intact and the color looked the same. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5fS1o30H4Q/XbheinT4UBI/AAAAAAAAJls/YrFBK0K5NysQqGqqhVoDDHZxU3_kESxUACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/IMG_0771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-P5fS1o30H4Q/XbheinT4UBI/AAAAAAAAJls/YrFBK0K5NysQqGqqhVoDDHZxU3_kESxUACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/IMG_0771.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oil based ink left - Akua Intaglio Carbon Black right</td></tr>
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When I compared the prints three hours later, I found that the blacks in the Akua prints were no longer as deep and rich as those printed with the oil based ink.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUOnkFW1TPg/XbheiyIbktI/AAAAAAAAJlw/1AQODi1Feg8BQEOLV6ihsOYlFqlzQp3SQCEwYBhgL/s1600/IMG_0770.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FUOnkFW1TPg/XbheiyIbktI/AAAAAAAAJlw/1AQODi1Feg8BQEOLV6ihsOYlFqlzQp3SQCEwYBhgL/s400/IMG_0770.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oil Based ink top - Akua Intaglio Cartbon Black bottom</td></tr>
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The outcome was the same with both plates. <br />
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The instructor mentioned that she preferred printing with oil based inks because the Akua inks did not produce rich images and she felt the colors were weak in intensity. With my comparison experiment, I can definitely see her point. Though initially the images appeared similar, as the new prints dried, the deep blacks lost their intensity. The prints were not as crisp as those printed with the oil based inks. It was surprising because it had been awhile since I had used oil
based inks and without a side by side comparison, I felt that Akua
produced a strong print. I do know of one printmaker who alters his Akua inks by mixing in a bit of oil based ink; maybe that's his solution to the problem. I might give that a try next. I'm definitely going to do some more ink research.<br />
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The bottom line is that each printmaker has their
own unique way of working and personal preferences so it's always interesting to come away from a workshop with helpful hints and a new
perspective. <br />
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Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-66478107154669276762019-10-28T09:13:00.000-07:002019-10-28T17:06:40.207-07:00Toyobo Photopolymer Plates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Toyobo plates are similar to other photopolmer processes in that a film positive is used to create the image, the plate is exposed to an ultra violet light source and processed in a water bath. What stands out though is the level of detail and clarity they are able to capture.</div>
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEK9uCipX0Q/XbcNqoZWIrI/AAAAAAAAJk0/OOS5LEJwDSIi0bf1T8kOFiAuoOcG9S4bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mannequin%2Bplate%2Bprint%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1279" data-original-width="1600" height="318" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GEK9uCipX0Q/XbcNqoZWIrI/AAAAAAAAJk0/OOS5LEJwDSIi0bf1T8kOFiAuoOcG9S4bwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/mannequin%2Bplate%2Bprint%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Of course, the success of the plate depends on the quality of the film positive. The Zea Mayes workshop provided me with a number of good tips for using Photo Shop to create the best possible positive.<br />
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My first test plate was based on a straightforward photo of an old mannequin. The proof shows that all the subtle detail was captured. (The white streaks are scratches on the film that happened during the ink jet printing.)<br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmohDp3LuFk/XbcNqUqu23I/AAAAAAAAJk8/erDD54QFmokg1Zg9j36ZU05OTQiSIABuwCEwYBhgL/s1600/lacy%2Bplate%2Bprint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1265" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YmohDp3LuFk/XbcNqUqu23I/AAAAAAAAJk8/erDD54QFmokg1Zg9j36ZU05OTQiSIABuwCEwYBhgL/s400/lacy%2Bplate%2Bprint.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
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My second test plate was based on a collage of images that I had manipulated in PhotoShop. I was curious to see if all of the detail would be transferred to the plate and I was really pleased to see the result. All of the values and detail that were in the original image showed up on the plate. Pretty impressive.<br />
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My next step is to order a few Toyobo plates and see if I can replicate the results in my own studio.<br />
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There are a few variables that are different from my studio to Zea Mayes. They use a different aquatint screen than I do, print their positives on a different film using an inkjet printer, and printed the plates using oil based ink. I use a Dove screen, Duralar film and a laser printer and use Akua ink. It will be interesting to see how things work out.<br />
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That's the joy of printmaking.... experimenting with new processes. I'm just happy to be able to work again.<br />
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Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-66592637042305807222019-10-28T08:46:00.000-07:002019-10-28T08:46:27.808-07:00Health HiccupsI've had a rough time with shoulder issues and finally had to have rotator cuff surgery. Needless to say that put a hold on my studio time. Hard to work with my right arm out of commission.<br />
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Therefore, I was thrilled to take part in a photopolymer workshop at Zea Mayes studio in Florence, Ma. this past weekend. My first outing sine the surgery but I was happy to find that I was only slightly limited with arm movements. <a href="https://www.zeamaysprintmaking.com/" target="_blank">https://www.zeamaysprintmaking.com/</a><br />
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<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suhSEPaolxY/XbcJZjyFl1I/AAAAAAAAJjU/Okamw6HZ9MIWmKSbzMActtk1pO1hZmORACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/front%2Bdoor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-suhSEPaolxY/XbcJZjyFl1I/AAAAAAAAJjU/Okamw6HZ9MIWmKSbzMActtk1pO1hZmORACLcBGAsYHQ/s400/front%2Bdoor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Artist Nancy Diessner introduced the group to Toyobo photopolymer plates: how to prepare film positives, prepare and expose the plates, and print.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NkwbMC4Qao/XbcI5rrSIPI/AAAAAAAAJjM/UdLUnT6OlgYqvZvC-Fw-dNcBchykKJndwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Nancy%2BDiessner%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5NkwbMC4Qao/XbcI5rrSIPI/AAAAAAAAJjM/UdLUnT6OlgYqvZvC-Fw-dNcBchykKJndwCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/Nancy%2BDiessner%2B2.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nancy Diessner with Toyobo plates curing in the sun.</td></tr>
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Zea Mayes studio was quite impressive. Wonderful work spaces. The downstairs studio was used for the workshop. Spacious and well laid out.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Znin6Hsflsw/XbcKGVKYa0I/AAAAAAAAJjo/0dGnfQinnZMT1qpKtHnr2mCpREQ02dQFQCEwYBhgL/s1600/ZM%2Bmain%2Bfloor%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Znin6Hsflsw/XbcKGVKYa0I/AAAAAAAAJjo/0dGnfQinnZMT1qpKtHnr2mCpREQ02dQFQCEwYBhgL/s400/ZM%2Bmain%2Bfloor%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inking stations.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Clean" area for paper prep</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Silkscreen room</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W02nnsImSxI/XbcKv52GGdI/AAAAAAAAJj4/jQj4-JyzUugSoPe-ZZWe3glhc8MyfTbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ZM%2Bmain%2Bfloor%2B4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-W02nnsImSxI/XbcKv52GGdI/AAAAAAAAJj4/jQj4-JyzUugSoPe-ZZWe3glhc8MyfTbwgCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/ZM%2Bmain%2Bfloor%2B4.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Work stations</td></tr>
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The second floor is reserved for member and is just as impressive.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgXeByo1Kto/XbcLjzQVL-I/AAAAAAAAJkI/v1VqE7NuAwgmtImAlwta7l7GJB33gBVDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/ZM%2B2nd%2Bfloor%2B2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CgXeByo1Kto/XbcLjzQVL-I/AAAAAAAAJkI/v1VqE7NuAwgmtImAlwta7l7GJB33gBVDQCLcBGAsYHQ/s400/ZM%2B2nd%2Bfloor%2B2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rembrandt press (little sister to my floor model)</td></tr>
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All in all a great weekend. Knowledgeable instructor and great classmates. It was interesting to see how the Toyobo plates compared to the Solarplates and ImagOn I use.<br />
<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-35567596617185946212019-01-18T13:20:00.003-08:002019-01-18T13:21:35.059-08:00Emerald Print ExchangeJust finished another small print for the Emerald Print Exchange. <a href="http://www.whitprint.com/about/emerald-print-exchange-2019/" target="_blank">http://www.whitprint.com/about/emerald-print-exchange-2019/ </a><br />
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A dozen 5" x 7" prints ready to go. There's something about creating an edition of small prints that appeals to me. It's a great way to keep up studio work when time is tight. The Solarplate was printed using Akua Carbon Black intaglio ink. I finished up the image by hand-coloring the glasses with red watercolor.<br />
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The image is based on my granddaughter Scarlett who refers to herself as a "fancy" girl. Oh to be five again! <br />
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-73585884456507457792018-12-11T08:57:00.003-08:002018-12-11T08:57:52.575-08:00Leftovers AgainFor a few years now I've been participating in WingTip Press' <a href="http://www.wingtippress.com/go/leftovers/">"Leftovers"</a>
print exchange. It's a fun way to use up small scraps of paper and
plates and helps support a good cause: The Idaho Hunger Relief Task
Force.<br />
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I usually end up with a stash of small
photopolymer plates along with odd sizes of paper. This exchange is a
great way to put them to good use.<br />
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I
was having some trouble working the plates because some were so old
that I wasn't able to get a good plate exposure. A few pieces were the
old dark reddish color, some were the newer copper color, and a few were
the new gold color. Needless to say, it took a number of trials to
finally arrive at a good exposure time to achieve a satisfactory print. I
need to remind myself that when I stash scrapes of plates, I should
date them on the back and make notes of exposure and developing times.<br />
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It took a bit of trial and error but after a mornings work, I had the edition completed.<br />
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When
I was working up sketches for the image, I was thinking about all of
the ideas I have flying around in my head that don't often get realized
due to life's everyday interruptions. Personal "leftovers" that
hopefully I'll get around to exploring.<br />
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I think I'll spend the afternoon cleaning up my messy studio. It's way overdue for some organization!Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-69931759201416223662018-12-07T12:48:00.000-08:002018-12-07T12:48:50.787-08:00Continuing the momentum2018 is quickly running out of days and there is the numerous obligations and usual holiday preparations underway. I was determined to keep my progress moving along in the studio so I began work on a second exchange portfolio print. Working on these small plates is perfect for this time of year when studio time is limited.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moondance Studio</td></tr>
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I was away from TreeTop Studio for a couple of days so I just brought everything I needed to print with me.<br />
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A few years ago, I was very fortunate to get a hold of a small second hand Conrad press. Its perfect for the beach house and even though the studio space there isn't totally resolved, I managed to clear an area to get some work done.<br />
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Every year I enjoy participating in this international print <a href="http://www.internationalprintexchange.org/" target="_blank">exchange</a>. This image is based on my grand-kids enjoying the final days of summer. The silhouetted figures and elongated shadows from the setting sun really emphasized the fading season.<br />
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After an afternoons work I had an edition of 15 plus completed. Nice to know that if I put my mind to it, and with a little preparation, I can print when I'm away from my main studio space.Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1582836060291298853.post-63854680983675454232018-10-30T11:09:00.000-07:002018-12-07T12:50:42.014-08:00Good work day.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Sometimes I just need to stop procrastinating and get to work.<br />
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Decided
to get a jump on an upcoming <a href="https://www.9inhandpress.com/print-exchange-2019.html" target="_blank">exchange portfolio</a>. I worked up the image
yesterday and pulled an edition of 20 prints today. It felt good to not
get distracted and complete a project.<br />
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This piece is
based on the current political turmoil and ongoing negative headlines. I
couldn't help but wonder what kind of world our grandchildren will
inherit. Sad to think about.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inked Solarplate</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Proof</td></tr>
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<br />Melody Knight Learyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01368598069864101799noreply@blogger.com0