I’m working on an image on a copper plate about a quarter-sheet in size, and I printed some state proofs recently to develop as monoprints.
I’m in the process of building up thin layers of color by applying Graphic Chemical’s water-soluble block inks via a Duralar transfer sheet. I’m aiming to build up a crisp shape eventually out of the negative space, and to that end, I’ve drawn my form in reverse on the Duralar to use as a guide while inking. Normally, I use stencils to make my forms with this process, but I’m hoping that the slight imprecision of the edge after numerous runs will give an illusion of depth at the edges of the form. After I’ve built up the water-soluble color to a satisfying degree, I’m going to use a stencil and the Duralar technique to apply an oil-based (litho ink) layer of color.
At this point, the impressions each have four to five runs–the single etching followed by multiple runs of color to build subtly blended tones. I’m using Hahnemühle Copperplate paper in 300 and 350 gsm.
[Edited to add completed images below.]
What has been done (period), 2011. Etching, Monotype, Silkscreen, Ink Pencil.
What has been done (question mark), 2011. Etching, Monotype, Silkscreen, Watercolor Pencil.