For the past few weeks I have been experimenting with Monotype techniques which have yielded great monochromatic results. Today I have started to experiment with a new Saline Copper Sulphate Etching technique and the results are looking very encouraging. In both cases I have translated figurative studies ( drawings and paintings) into these printmaking media. A few of the monotype results can be seen on our website: www.powishayward.co.uk
26/2/07 Yesterday I proofed and printed 20 copies of my new linocut relief block print, "Shell + Rock", in burnt umber onto Japanese paper. I then cut away the areas I wish to remain burnt umber, and will over print in black on Friday. I was pleased with the results. There is a fresh, graphic quality to two natural, organic objects, and I like this contrast. It was Spring-like day and I had the window open, and could hear snippets of student conversations outside in the quad. I then proofed the Two Shell etching I am working on, and scraped back into the dark aquatint on one of the shells, in preparation to put on a hard ground, and work some lines describibg the complex shell form into this area afresh. I enjoy working between two processes, ie lino and etching, because it keeps me on my toes, and the results are so very different. The only downside of working in an academic institution with no storage facilities is lugging all the equipment around. I'd intended to bevel the edges of some copper plate which I'd taken, but ran out of time, and the tin of etching ink was unneccessary, because there was some available this time. Oh well, my arms are a little longer. The nomadic artist lifestyle!
