Behind the curtain

These images are glimpses into what goes on during the (often messy) printmaking process. 

For more information about the methods I use please see this printmaking guide.

cutting a collagraph plate

Chichen Itza

Contructing a collagraph plate

inking a collagraph

Chichen Itza

Inking up a collagraph plate

an inked plate

Chichen Itza

An inked collagraph plate ready to go through the press.

printing a collagraph

Chichen Itza

Pulling the first proof of a collagraph print.

printing a collagraph

Ammonites III

Pulling a collagraph print.

a collagraph plate inked up

Barn Owl

A collagraph plate inked and wiped and ready for printing.

an inked collagraph plate

Fountains Abbey

A collagraph plate inked in multiple colours, ready to be passed through the press.

an inked collagraph plate

Fox

Another collagraph monoprint inked and wiped, ready for printing.

wiping a plate

Velvet Ears

Wiping the ink on a collagraph plate to create details.

pulling a collagraph print

Joy

Pulling a collagraph print.

pulling a print

Fountains Abbey

Pulling a collagraph print.

inking a collagraph plate

Robin Nest

Adding ink to a collagraph plate.

making a collagraph plate

Four Seasons Series

Starting to construct a collagraph plate.

cutting a collagraph plate

Four Seasons series

Cutting out a collagraph plate.

repairing a collagraph plate

Four Seasons series

Making running repairs to a collagraph plate. They are often very fragile and can produce only a few impressions.

stages of making a collagraph

Four Seasons series

Some stages in inking up a collagraph plate.

carving a linoprint

Shadow Cat

Carving a piece of Japanese vinyl for a linocut.

rolling ink

Shadow Cat

Rolling ink for a linoprint.

collagraph plate

Whitby Abbey

Close up detail of a collagraph plate.

completed collagraph plate

Whitby Abbey

A collagraph plate sealed with shellac and ready for inking.