New Collagraph Work

The collagraph workshop at Dunfermline Printmakers turned out to be a great two days of new work, new techniques and new developments - still to get my work back as it needs to be dried flat under some pressure so looking forward to seeing them.

Collagraph Workshop Dunfermline

red road studio tries out printmaking techniques

Looking forward to a 2 day collagraph workshop at Dunfermline Printmakers.  I'm going to continue with my "Bones of the Land" theme I started with the lovely artist and tutor Kate Downie.  I feel messy work coming on but all to my benefit as it's quite a freeing experience for me.

'Bones of the Land' Masterclass Day 2 : Gesso

Ink vs Gesso

It was really interesting to see the qualities of Chinese ink on paper against Gesso with board.  Sanding, scratching - almost carving into the board with gesso and then applying ink liberally before wiping off with lots of clean rags to reveal the collection of Ash trees I focused on from some initial quick doodles done outside.  Kate was really interesting and we got an insight into how Chinese artists work using confident, controlled use of the brush and ink. The handles of the brushes were lovely.

'Bones of the Land' Masterclass Day 2

Kate's full of life, encouragement and support!  Now working with big sweeps of line and more brush work with Chinese ink.   Great stuff for a girl who's best friend is a 0.25 fine liner pen LOL!  Gesso demo later .....

'Bones of the Land' Drawing Masterclass continues

So the 'Bones of the Land' masterclass on to developing some sketching and drawing after venturing outside on a cold but dry winter's day for inspiration.  Enjoying working with black Chinese ink and brushes, being mindful of my marks.  Tried to choose a subject that I wouldn't normally go for.

Day 1 : 'Bones of the Land' Workshop

Part of the first day was taking a train ride to Perth with the intention of creating a small blind acetate sketch and speed sketching with a larger piece of acetate & black permanent pen capturing lines and textures, details.  A wee stop off at Perth station and was delighted to see a wonderful sky roof that emulated the rhythm of the workshop.

'Bones of the Land' Workshop Ladybank

So pleased that I went to the 2 day advanced drawing masterclass workshop with the wonderful artist Kate Downie.  'Bones of the Land' allowed us to develop printmaking, mark-making and drawing approaches in response to the surrounding Scottish countryside in winter.  Been a long time since I've developed work in a sketchbook and I attended with a bit of trepidation but I was so pleased I did go!  The whole point was to take me out of my comfort zone and for me to work with new materials and techniques.  I'll be posting pics over the next few days.