I have been fascinated with printmaking since I first tried it in high school. At first I was indifferent to the linoleum and woodcut process I was introduced to. I blame this on poor, abused, student grade tools and materials. Despite this and the many resulting cuts on my hands, something grabbed me about the process. It was about this same time I stumbled upon “A Closer Look” by Patrick Woodroffe at the local bookstore. It was through this book I was introduced to etching and letterpress.
They didn’t offer any printmaking courses at the university I attended so my learning stalled a bit. I continued on my own, but in the days before the internet knowledge was scarce. I did learn how much a new etching press cost – ouch.
After university work life took over my life, leaving little room for art. I still managed to take a printmaking course at a local college and get two prints accepted in juried exhibits.
Over the years I’ve managed to accumulate a few presses and now I plan on making a serious attempt at producing prints.
I’m a bit rusty, so we’ll see how it goes.
Good luck with the printmaking, Darren – I did etching at university and have done almost none since – an etching press IS a very expensive gadget for a graduate with a Fine Art degree and no job prospects!!! I do painting now. Will be interested to see how you get on. I do like your drawing exercises.
Thanks for the encouragement Kerry.
I can understand why you moved from etching to painting. The cost is prohibitive and I don’t think there is as much general interest/demand for printmaking as there is for painting.
Love your watercolours particularly the loquat leaf