Hi Cheryl, Yes, rooms around the house and people in my family are favorite art, painting and printmaking subjects. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.
Greatest tip ever. That Akua inks remain wet whilst on the table, maybe even for days until they hit the substrate . No one in my massive researching has mentioned this before and makes buying these inks well worth while. I do hate waste. Thanks again Belinda. Bx
Hey Bix, yes, it’s true - they need to be absorbed in order to dry. Try not to print on paper with a lot of sizing (watercolor paper) as it slows drying time considerably. They’re also quite a bit looser than traditional intaglio inks. Happy printing adventures!
Wow, I love your video Belinda. I appreciate that you talk quickly & without wasting time as many of the on line instructors do. Love also the way you display materials, for example at the end of the video when you showed how to add color. I'm eager to watch all of your videos! Christine Naples, FL
Hi Christine! I'm so glad the tutorial was helpful! I hope you spend hours diving into the world of collagraph printmaking. It's meditative and lovely work. And I thank you for your kind compliments! Happy printing! Belinda
Hello Sadaf! You are very kind, my friend! Thank you for your encouraging and sweet compliment. I look forward to seeing more of your lovely printmaking adventures. 😃❌⭕️❌⭕️
All these turned out so beautiful! And what a great idea you responded with below to use cereal boxes, drink containers, etc. I don't like throwing those away and have always felt they should be used for something. Now I know! Thank you so much.
Hi Kim, yes, cereal boxes and drink containers work beautifully! If you make some, be sure to come back and post a link where we can see them! Thanks for your kind compliments and happy printmaking to you!
I love that you do this as I am in need of having to sell my press but not wanting to give up this kind of technique. That you for doing all the fine tuning and sharing it with us!
Hi Paula, I'm glad you like my fine tuning & fiddling! Making these without a press is *hard work*, so try them by hand before you give up your press. I printed by hand and WISHED for a press for a decade before I purchased mine, and I love, love, love having that option now. But, if letting go of yours is a must, then rest assured you can still create beautiful prints with a simple little spoon. :)
As an art teacher and relative newcomer to printmaking, I love your videos. They are succinct, and clearly demonstrate every step along the way. Look forward to trying this with my Junior and Senior High art students!
Hi Sherry! Thanks so much for your feedback! I'm so glad the videos are useful to you, and I hope your students make incredible art with this process! Be sure to post it somewhere & let us know - I love being able to see the results: www.belindadelpesco.com/2016/05/monotype-video-tutorials.html
So lovely. Your work speaks in my ear and makes a bee line to my heart. One wouldn't think such happy little daily images to be so powerful, but with the loving care you add, they reveal all of the treasures, and treasure always attracts me. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed it very much. bye now
Cheers from Venezuela!! love the way you teach- this Is what we are doing at home with so little art supplies and all the shortage we face, my art is just improving, and now I found you with so much more encouragment to go ahead. Thank you! You are a great teacher.
Hi Sofia! Thanks for the nice note, and I’m glad you found the tutorial video helpful. I hope you have great success in your printmaking projects, and you enjoy making collagraphs for the rest of your life!
Good morning Belinda. Just come across your videos, l've only seen two of them so far but intend to watch as many as you have on UA-cam. Your work is beautiful and you are so helpful with all the tips and advice, very inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. 🌸
Wow! I had no idea that you could use a mat like that. I'm still trying to figure out block printing with lino blocks. Thank you for the great instructional video!
Hah! Yes, you can make prints from scrap mat board! ANd you can use cereal boxes, juice cartons, To-Go containers, and plexiglass/acrylic sheets too! It's endlessly fun!
Srivandana Szepanski - thanks for your feedback - I'm glad you find these helpful. The sealer on the plate (look at the plate-building video linked in the 'show more' list under the video window: bit.ly/1JaJN48) is liquitex gloss medium and varnish. Happy printing!
Many thanks, Belinda. I tried PVA which worked well for a short run of relief prints for Christmas cards but then started to destroy the paper as, surprise, it stuck! I have recently sealed some matt board (in the UK mountboard) with Buttonhole Polish - shellac so we'll see how that goes.
Belinda, I've frequently loved your technical suggestions regarding akua inks, collographs and drypoint etchings on plexi but this video is also sparking lots of teaching and creative ideas for me. Thank you! I don't have a class in mind for this specifically, but may want to work something like this into several future classes.
Hi Megan, Thanks very much for the feedback. I'm glad the tutorial sprouted creative ideas - that's my goal! :) This printmaking medium has so much possibility, with such simple materials. I hope your class planning and roll out is a fun & successful adventure.
I love the final, coloured prints, especially the pencil one. Just beautiful. Thank you for explaining the process in such detail. You have a new subscriber.
Hi Poppy, Thanks for this nice note, and welcome! My tuxedo studio assistant Scout sends a high paw to your tuxedo. Are you a printmaker or painter or both?
Poppy says hi to Scout! I'm primarily a painter and just a dabbler with prints ... mostly failing. Nice to see you using colour pencils, a favourite medium of mine, and much underrated. Your work is stunning.
What pulled me in is printing without a press. All collographs I’ve done to date were pulled on an etching press! My art association sold the press! I’m pleased to see hand printing works just fine. I like your method. What are you thoughts on using a hand barren?
Hi Pat, You *can* use a baren, but there are challenges associated with keeping the plate and paper absolutely merged and un-moving during the rubbing process, which is harder still if the paper is damp and stretches. It's possible to make it work, but it's fussy. It might be better for you to look into hacking a craft embossing or stenciling machine to use as a mini press. This group on Facebook has all sorts of examples and tips, and they can be purchased on Amazon (or used on Ebay) for anywhere from 60-150 dollars. facebook.com/groups/1544918272204523
Hi Belinda, thank you so much for sharing your artistic knowledge with us around the globe. I have never learned print making so thank you again. I am going to give this a try, what I like about collagraph is that I can use a piece of mount board as I have a lot of cut offs from previous work of cutting mounts for myself and my friends. I really love your artwork, it is so versatile, thanks again.
Hi Steinunn! With your supply of mount board cut offs, I have no doubt that you'll create a beautiful series of collagraphs! I hope you post them somewhere, and let us see the fruit of your labor. If you have any questions about the process, leave them here in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them, and encourage you forward in your new printmaking adventure!
Hi Belinda, how lovely to hear from you! I have not had time to try out the printmaking yet, at present I am trying to finish some painting I am doing for my next exhibition before Christmas and to be truthful I am having trouble to get myself into right mood, it happens now and then!! I am looking forward trying out your printmaking. I really appreciate your encouragement.:)
Hello Steinunn, I totally understand the need to steer oneself towards finishing. I hope you find the mood you're seeking, and your exhibition is full of applause, enough to make you race happily and excited towards your next projects. Happy art-making to you. :)
Beautiful! My students made some fabulous collagraph plates, but the first prints were disappointing. Getting ready for Round #2 by reviewing techniques - thanks!
Hi Shannon, Thanks for visiting! I hope you get the results you're looking for with your student's collagraphs. Are they posted somewhere so we can see? :)
Hi Elaine, Thanks for the compliment on my work. This was filmed in my studio with a tripod and a cell phone. I did not have (at the time- this was posted in 2015) a production quality filming set up. You can read about my efforts to get that over here: www.patreon.com/bdelpesco
These are so lovely. I'd recently scanned in some line drawings and coloured them in PS. I'd like to transfer to card and try these out. I'd made one many years ago at Art School and loved the affect. Thanks for showing it can be done without a press :)
Hi tamsinthai - Thanks for the compliments. I hope you *do* transfer your images to card and print a few collagraphs. It's lovely, meditative work, and the results are very satisfying. This is another demo showing the hand-transfer method for line style collagraph: ua-cam.com/video/hxPDNyMqwdc/v-deo.html Happy printmaking!
Belinda Del Pesco Thanks Belinda :) Just returned from local stationery shop here in Thailand and no luck with the ink. Tad hit and miss here. Will take the bullock cart (:D) into town Friday to try to source. There's a guy from Pattani does woodcuts there, so if shop doesn't have them, he'll know, otherwise trip up to Bangkok on the cards. Eager to get started. Lots of ideas. Thanks for the extra video link!
Hi again, tamsinthai - hmmm, no ink locally is frustrating. Especially when you're ready to get your hands busy. Perhaps you could start work on the plate while you're waiting? I've never been to Thailand, so I hope you can find good ink. Can you order it via mail?
Hi Belinda, a search threw up Thailand as being something of a 'hub' for printing supplies so I shouldn't have any problem sourcing it. I've not used ink here before. I've a vague memory of traipsing through China Town in Bangkok and there being a LOT of graphic supply shops there a few years ago. I'll pop into Phuket town tomorrow and if they 'no have', could order it for me. Yes, I'd thought about starting on some incising of the card I'd managed to buy at the large stationery place near me along with the sharpies. Will see what tomorrow brings. That logo for Akua rings some bells. Might've seen it whilst stocking up on paint. We shall see :)
Hi tamsinthai - I hope you find some ink so you can get started. I don't know how much you recall from your earlier printmaking experiences, but for this style of collagraph, you'll want an "intaglio" or etching ink, not a "relief" ink. If you find & choose akua, be sure to get some of their MagMix if it's available (magnesium carbonate - used as a stiffener). I've been told that Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash etching inks work beautifully for these collagraphs too. I'm waiting on my first oder so I can test them myself. Both the Akua and Caligo wash up with soap and water. Applause to you from afar... :)
Now that I have watched you making collographs a few times I am having ideas to make my own. I am no going to go to Goodwill and see if I can find a good round spoon - thank you - fabulous, as usual
Hi Sheila! Oh good, I’m glad you’re going to give it a whirl! If, along the way, you have questions about your design, or the process, don’t be afraid to get in touch to ask questions. I am rooting for you to make a successful collagraph on your first try so you’ll get pulled into the fun-vortex of this lovely style of printmaking! Thanks for your compliments!
Hi Belinda - this is a very helpful video so many thanks to you. Can I ask what you seal your mattboard with - PVA? Shellac? Your videos are consistently helpful and inspiring however I found the music didn't aid my concentration - I have to focus on one thing at a time.
Great set of prints and video Belinda! I've been recently thinking about doing a collagraph print. I haven't made one in a long time and this pushed me over the edge to get to it again! I definitely have more scrap mat board than I know what to do with!
Thanks, Graham! I would *love* to see one of your mat board collagraphs, and I'm looking forward to seeing part two of your resingrave video too. (I have a 'too old to admit' unfinished engraving in my studio, so your video is inspiring.)
I just did some printmaking at home with the matte boards. Some worked out, some did not. But overall I was really pleased with the outcome. I wish I could post one of my pieces here but I have no clue how to do that.
Gabriele Bitter That's wonderful! Congratulations on making it happen - and doing it on your own! If you figure out how to post images of your prints anywhere on social media, please put a link here so we can see!
Thanks for sharing this! Could you make a video where you show the process you used to create the plate for a print like this one? I am curious to see how it is sealed and if you cut into the matboard with a knife or used an etching tool.
Hi Kim, thanks for stopping by! The tutorial for making a mat board collagraph is on my channel (there are three of them, so far), and the most detailed instructions are on a California house portrait... The link is in the notes of this video. Just open the Show More section under this video window. Let me know if you have any questions! Happy printing!
Thank you very much for your great videos. I really like how you explain the process in your videos. I have a question about Akua Pin Press if you tried it before. Do you think that is it a good investment for printmaking? I really enjoyed to make collagraph ones and I would like to make more. I used different materials and textures for my collagraph print. I took an Introduction to Printmaking class and we used the Printing Press, and I could make the collagraph. But the semester is ending and after the semester is done, I cannot have the access the printing press.
Hello, Bazak - thanks for your nice note. I have never used the Akua pin press. I suspect that it might be a challenge to use that method to print collagraphs, especially if the topography of your plate varies quite a bit. Rather than rolling something back and forth, where the stretch of your paper, and the bumps in your plates might cause the paper to make contact and print staggered ink marks in slightly different areas of the paper, a single pass of pressure is most efficient for a collagraph. If you work small, printmakers have been successfully using small, inexpensive crafting stencil and embossing machines as presses. There is an international group on Facebook devoted to sharing methods and machines - its called Craft Press Printmakers. That’s what I would recommend to try, after your class is over. Happy printing!
Hi m m - thank you! I use a variety of spoons (you should see my collection - like the crazy cat lady, but with spoons)😁 In this video, I’m using a vintage sterling soup ladle. My favorite tool for hand printing is a plain, silver, unremarkable - cereal spoon. Happy printmaking! 👍🏽
thank you! your videos are super informative. I was wondering how you made the design on the old mat board? was it carved? built up? with what? thanks!!, Jennifer from Istanbul
Hello Jennifer, I’m glad you’re enjoying the video tutorials. There are a few mat board collagraph demonstrations here on my channel - like this one: How to Make a Collagraph Print (with Mat Board - Intaglio) without a Press Look through the videos, and you’ll see I’m using the same approach repeatedly. Carving a shallow line, or a very shallow outline into a shape, to peel the uppermost layer away. There’s no additive layers of material. I hope you have a ton of fun!
Lovely! I see the date on the message is four years ago. But will add a comment anyway, in hopes you will get it. I am soaking up your videos. Love them! Want to know more about doing a you tube channel. So will try to learn that. Your videos are great! They are executed very well!
@@bdelpesco Any tips on the you tube channel? Perhaps there is a video lol there is for other things! Here is a tip for you. Catherine Orer The Entrepreneur Network on Facebook. She helps with the business end of being an artist. Great labs, group of people! Best wishes! Pejj
@@pejjnunes3069 You are absolutely right: search youtube for tips on building your channel and sort by date so you have the latest information. I like watching Tim Schmoyer's videos: ua-cam.com/users/VideoCreatorsTVvideos Thanks so much for your tip on Catherine. I will check her out! Keep at it, and have fun! :)
Have you ever used the Intaglio Water-Based Ink, Opaque White I am trying to figure out if I want to do a print on black paper if the ink has sufficient opacity to overcome the black or darker paper. For example I am trying to use a white line on a black paper instead of a black line on white paper.
Hi Romel, I don't like water-based inks, but I love water-wash-up inks. My preferred brands are Akua and Caligo Safewash. If you use Akua, be sure your black paper has *no* sizing in it, or the ink will not dry. The opacity of the inks are great.
@@bdelpesco Thanks for the response and efforts. Any particular reason for not liking water based inks? My assumption is that the water based intaglio/etchings ink tends to move if watercolor is placed above them. When referring to Caligo Safewash are your referring to Caligo Safe Wash Etching Ink? For Akua I am only seeing their Intaglio Water-Based Ink when I search , are you referring to another type of Akua ink?.
@romelmadrayart Hi Romel - water based inks re-wet when you add any wet media - making mud - and they dry super fast - on the plate and on the slab, so printing an edition is challenging. Water-WASHABLE inks are not water based - Akua is soy oil based, and Caligo is linseed oil based, so pay close attention to how the term water is used in the marketing verbiage. Both Akua and Caligo are formulated to wash up/clean with water. Akua dries via *absorption* into the paper, so any good printmaking paper works beautifully. Caligo *air dries*, slowly, so you have time to roll out your color on the slab, or the plate, and print your edition. And yes, I’m referring to Caligo Safewash etching and relief inks - both are amazing, and newer to me, as well as Akua intaglio inks - which I’ve used for years.
Printmaking paper is either soaked and blotted, or lightly spritzed with water and blotted just before printing to soften the cotton pulp. That increases the paper’s flexibility so the sheets will dip down when pressed with a baren, spoon or a press into the shallow wells and curbs on the plate to collect ink.
Hello Waania - yes, you can still edition a print that you hand color. Example: If you have a limited edition of 10, you can (if you want - it’s not a “requirement”) mark prints like this: 1/10 E.V. (The ev is an abbreviation for “edition varies”). Does that make sense to you?
On your matte board do you have carborundum? I can see that you get the blacks by removing the top layer of the board but how do you get the grays/shading? Your videos are amazingly helpful. I'm addicted. Thanks!!!
Hi cerealsilk! There's no carborundum on this particular plate, so the gradations in ink are deliberate from the wiping. 1) I used sticky, thick ink, and 2) the lower layer of the mat board where I've cut away the top cover is pulpy with a little texture, even after sealing it with the gloss varnish, so that holds ink, and 3) I wiped with a stiff cloth and/or rolled paper so there was very little "dipping" in to wipe the ink out of the recessed areas. Keep your wiping focused on the top level, and then spot wipe gently in stages where you want gradations. Good luck, and come back here and share your results! Thanks for the compliments! :)
Hi Belinda, I've watched most of the printmaking videos on youtube and I find yours are the best. This method of doing a collagraph satisfies my needs to draw, paint and multiply! I like that the drawing is a crucial part of the whole piece. I have one question. Would a stainless steel rolling pin work for printing or do you feel the spoon is better at getting into all the crevices? Thanks again for your wonderful videos. Bridget
Hi again Bridget Becker - Thanks for your compliments. :) I would vote for *both* the stainless pin and the spoon. I predict some prints will work just fine with the pin, and others, once pulled, will require some pin-first and then spot-pressure with the spoon before pulling an edition.
Hi +Shang Li yes, it would still be an edition, and you could mark each number with "e.v." If you want (edition varies). Not required, but it you want to follow protocol, that's an easy workaround. Happy printmaking!
Your simple everyday subject matter inspire me to look around my immediate surroundings to find a vignette to draw. Thank you again!
Hi Cheryl, Yes, rooms around the house and people in my family are favorite art, painting and printmaking subjects. I hope you find them as inspiring as I do.
Greatest tip ever. That Akua inks remain wet whilst on the table, maybe even for days until they hit the substrate . No one in my massive researching has mentioned this before and makes buying these inks well worth while. I do hate waste. Thanks again Belinda. Bx
Hey Bix, yes, it’s true - they need to be absorbed in order to dry. Try not to print on paper with a lot of sizing (watercolor paper) as it slows drying time considerably. They’re also quite a bit looser than traditional intaglio inks. Happy printing adventures!
You explain both beautifully and clearly . Thank you
Hello Agnes - thank you very much for such kind feedback! Happy creating to you!
This was an inspirational video. I appreciated it. Seeing the finished color works with different mediums was wonderful!
Hi Donal, I'm so glad you enjoyed it! I hope it inspires a bit of enhancement and color experiments on your printmaking projects!
Wow, I love your video Belinda. I appreciate that you talk quickly & without wasting time as many of the on line instructors do. Love also the way you display materials, for example at the end of the video when you showed how to add color. I'm eager to watch all of your videos!
Christine Naples, FL
Hi Christine! I'm so glad the tutorial was helpful! I hope you spend hours diving into the world of collagraph printmaking. It's meditative and lovely work. And I thank you for your kind compliments! Happy printing! Belinda
Gorgeous work, gorgeous lady. Thank you for making 😊
Thank you kindly, M.
Wow😍I didn't know that it is possible to make it like drypoint instead like linocut...Thank You so much!
You are welcome 😊 I hope you enjoy your printmaking adventures!
Absolutely wonderful! Thanks for sharing that, it's given me a renewed desire to dig out my 'art box'. :D
Greetings from Scotland.
Oh, I hope you really do pull out your art box for a new courtship! It’s a meditative salve. 👍🏽
Thanks for video! It is very helpful. I look forward to trying this myself!
Hi Deirdre - thanks for the feedback! I’m glad the demo was helpful and I hope you have hours of fun in your next printmaking adventures!
You are such an amazing teacher! Love you!
Hello Sadaf! You are very kind, my friend! Thank you for your encouraging and sweet compliment. I look forward to seeing more of your lovely printmaking adventures. 😃❌⭕️❌⭕️
Thank you so much this was so inspiring and a great help
Hi Grainne - I’m glad the encouragement inspired you, and I hope you give it a go! 👍🏽🍫🌻
It looks very nice
Thank you! :)
All these turned out so beautiful! And what a great idea you responded with below to use cereal boxes, drink containers, etc. I don't like throwing those away and have always felt they should be used for something. Now I know! Thank you so much.
Hi Kim, yes, cereal boxes and drink containers work beautifully! If you make some, be sure to come back and post a link where we can see them! Thanks for your kind compliments and happy printmaking to you!
Love this!!! Awesome :)
Thank you, Christine! Happy printing!
I love this. Your prints are always atmospheric in such a restful way, that they invite you in to enjoy the peacefulness. Thank you!
Hello elfy60 - thanks for that nice compliment. We all need a little more peaceful, eh? :) Happy art-making to you!
I love that you do this as I am in need of having to sell my press but not wanting to give up this kind of technique. That you for doing all the fine tuning and sharing it with us!
Hi Paula, I'm glad you like my fine tuning & fiddling! Making these without a press is *hard work*, so try them by hand before you give up your press. I printed by hand and WISHED for a press for a decade before I purchased mine, and I love, love, love having that option now. But, if letting go of yours is a must, then rest assured you can still create beautiful prints with a simple little spoon. :)
As an art teacher and relative newcomer to printmaking, I love your videos. They are succinct, and clearly demonstrate every step along the way. Look forward to trying this with my Junior and Senior High art students!
Hi Sherry! Thanks so much for your feedback! I'm so glad the videos are useful to you, and I hope your students make incredible art with this process! Be sure to post it somewhere & let us know - I love being able to see the results: www.belindadelpesco.com/2016/05/monotype-video-tutorials.html
beautiful
Thanks, Simone!
So lovely. Your work speaks in my ear and makes a bee line to my heart. One wouldn't think such happy little daily images to be so powerful, but with the loving care you add, they reveal all of the treasures, and treasure always attracts me. Thank you for sharing. I enjoyed it very much. bye now
daisy3690 - thanks so much for this kind comment. That's so sweet of you!
I so enjoy your calm clear instruction, thank you for teaching me, Im excited to get started.
You are so welcome! Have a ton of fun, and come back and leave any questions that come up here in the comments!
Cheers from Venezuela!! love the way you teach- this Is what we are doing at home with so little art supplies and all the shortage we face, my art is just improving, and now I found you with so much more encouragment to go ahead. Thank you! You are a great teacher.
Hi Sofia! Thanks for the nice note, and I’m glad you found the tutorial video helpful. I hope you have great success in your printmaking projects, and you enjoy making collagraphs for the rest of your life!
Belinda, thank you for your videos! Yes they are very helpful.
Hi Susan, Thanks for stopping by and leaving feedback. I'm glad the video was helpful to you. Happy printmaking! :)
Good morning Belinda. Just come across your videos, l've only seen two of them so far but intend to watch as many as you have on UA-cam.
Your work is beautiful and you are so helpful with all the tips and advice, very inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing. 🌸
Thanks for the compliments, Linda! Don't be shy if you have questions on any of the demos! Happy printing!
Wow! I had no idea that you could use a mat like that. I'm still trying to figure out block printing with lino blocks. Thank you for the great instructional video!
Hah! Yes, you can make prints from scrap mat board! ANd you can use cereal boxes, juice cartons, To-Go containers, and plexiglass/acrylic sheets too! It's endlessly fun!
Srivandana Szepanski - thanks for your feedback - I'm glad you find these helpful. The sealer on the plate (look at the plate-building video linked in the 'show more' list under the video window: bit.ly/1JaJN48) is liquitex gloss medium and varnish. Happy printing!
Many thanks, Belinda. I tried PVA which worked well for a short run of relief prints for Christmas cards but then started to destroy the paper as, surprise, it stuck! I have recently sealed some matt board (in the UK mountboard) with Buttonhole Polish - shellac so we'll see how that goes.
Lovely video, very informative and beautiful work. Very inspiring thank you.
Sue Mills thanks for your compliments, Sue! I appreciate you taking the time to leave a note!🌻
Belinda,
I've frequently loved your technical suggestions regarding akua inks, collographs and drypoint etchings on plexi but this video is also sparking lots of teaching and creative ideas for me. Thank you! I don't have a class in mind for this specifically, but may want to work something like this into several future classes.
Hi Megan, Thanks very much for the feedback. I'm glad the tutorial sprouted creative ideas - that's my goal! :) This printmaking medium has so much possibility, with such simple materials. I hope your class planning and roll out is a fun & successful adventure.
I love the final, coloured prints, especially the pencil one. Just beautiful. Thank you for explaining the process in such detail. You have a new subscriber.
Hi Poppy, Thanks for this nice note, and welcome! My tuxedo studio assistant Scout sends a high paw to your tuxedo. Are you a printmaker or painter or both?
Poppy says hi to Scout! I'm primarily a painter and just a dabbler with prints ... mostly failing. Nice to see you using colour pencils, a favourite medium of mine, and much underrated. Your work is stunning.
What pulled me in is printing without a press. All collographs I’ve done to date were pulled on an etching press! My art association sold the press! I’m pleased to see hand printing works just fine. I like your method. What are you thoughts on using a hand barren?
Hi Pat, You *can* use a baren, but there are challenges associated with keeping the plate and paper absolutely merged and un-moving during the rubbing process, which is harder still if the paper is damp and stretches. It's possible to make it work, but it's fussy. It might be better for you to look into hacking a craft embossing or stenciling machine to use as a mini press. This group on Facebook has all sorts of examples and tips, and they can be purchased on Amazon (or used on Ebay) for anywhere from 60-150 dollars. facebook.com/groups/1544918272204523
Hi Belinda, thank you so much for sharing your artistic knowledge with us around the globe. I have never learned print making so thank you again. I am going to give this a try, what I like about collagraph is that I can use a piece of mount board as I have a lot of cut offs from previous work of cutting mounts for myself and my friends. I really love your artwork, it is so versatile, thanks again.
Hi Steinunn! With your supply of mount board cut offs, I have no doubt that you'll create a beautiful series of collagraphs! I hope you post them somewhere, and let us see the fruit of your labor. If you have any questions about the process, leave them here in the comments and I'll do my best to answer them, and encourage you forward in your new printmaking adventure!
Hi Belinda, how lovely to hear from you! I have not had time to try out the printmaking yet, at present I am trying to finish some painting I am doing for my next exhibition before Christmas and to be truthful I am having trouble to get myself into right mood, it happens now and then!! I am looking forward trying out your printmaking. I really appreciate your encouragement.:)
Hello Steinunn, I totally understand the need to steer oneself towards finishing. I hope you find the mood you're seeking, and your exhibition is full of applause, enough to make you race happily and excited towards your next projects. Happy art-making to you. :)
Thank you Belinda, my mood has come with the reading from the bible ob.10:1, an angle with a black book! Thanks for your encouragement!
Another really helpful video. Thank you so much for doing these videos. Solved yet another point of confusion for me.
Hi Tina Hasfjord - thanks for stopping by! I'm always glad to untangle a printmaking mystery! :)
The charcoal one is amazing for this specific drawing. Thank you for sharing, I am absolutely trying this!
Thanks for the feedback, @silverbleedy - I hope you have a lovely art adventure with this process. Happy printing!
Lovely work and great demo. Thank you.
Thank you, Olive Dancer!
Beautiful! My students made some fabulous collagraph plates, but the first prints were disappointing. Getting ready for Round #2 by reviewing techniques - thanks!
Hi Shannon, Thanks for visiting! I hope you get the results you're looking for with your student's collagraphs. Are they posted somewhere so we can see? :)
Thank you for the great tutorial. Your work is beautiful.
+Marlene Kluper - thanks for your compliment. Happy printmaking!
You do gorgeous work. Thank you!
Thanks for your compliments! :)
lovely prints but why is the camera sideways on?
Hi Elaine, Thanks for the compliment on my work. This was filmed in my studio with a tripod and a cell phone. I did not have (at the time- this was posted in 2015) a production quality filming set up. You can read about my efforts to get that over here: www.patreon.com/bdelpesco
These are so lovely. I'd recently scanned in some line drawings and coloured them in PS. I'd like to transfer to card and try these out. I'd made one many years ago at Art School and loved the affect. Thanks for showing it can be done without a press :)
Hi tamsinthai - Thanks for the compliments. I hope you *do* transfer your images to card and print a few collagraphs. It's lovely, meditative work, and the results are very satisfying. This is another demo showing the hand-transfer method for line style collagraph: ua-cam.com/video/hxPDNyMqwdc/v-deo.html Happy printmaking!
Belinda Del Pesco Thanks Belinda :) Just returned from local stationery shop here in Thailand and no luck with the ink. Tad hit and miss here. Will take the bullock cart (:D) into town Friday to try to source. There's a guy from Pattani does woodcuts there, so if shop doesn't have them, he'll know, otherwise trip up to Bangkok on the cards. Eager to get started. Lots of ideas. Thanks for the extra video link!
Hi again, tamsinthai - hmmm, no ink locally is frustrating. Especially when you're ready to get your hands busy. Perhaps you could start work on the plate while you're waiting? I've never been to Thailand, so I hope you can find good ink. Can you order it via mail?
Hi Belinda, a search threw up Thailand as being something of a 'hub' for printing supplies so I shouldn't have any problem sourcing it. I've not used ink here before. I've a vague memory of traipsing through China Town in Bangkok and there being a LOT of graphic supply shops there a few years ago. I'll pop into Phuket town tomorrow and if they 'no have', could order it for me. Yes, I'd thought about starting on some incising of the card I'd managed to buy at the large stationery place near me along with the sharpies. Will see what tomorrow brings. That logo for Akua rings some bells. Might've seen it whilst stocking up on paint. We shall see :)
Hi tamsinthai - I hope you find some ink so you can get started. I don't know how much you recall from your earlier printmaking experiences, but for this style of collagraph, you'll want an "intaglio" or etching ink, not a "relief" ink. If you find & choose akua, be sure to get some of their MagMix if it's available (magnesium carbonate - used as a stiffener). I've been told that Cranfield Caligo Safe Wash etching inks work beautifully for these collagraphs too. I'm waiting on my first oder so I can test them myself. Both the Akua and Caligo wash up with soap and water. Applause to you from afar... :)
Thank you Belinda. Happy Year of The Wood Horse. Magda
Thanks for visiting, Magda! I keep a small wood horse covered in hammered tin in my studio. Happy Year of the Wood Horse to you too! :)
Now that I have watched you making collographs a few times I am having ideas to make my own. I am no going to go to Goodwill and see if I can find a good round spoon - thank you - fabulous, as usual
Hi Sheila! Oh good, I’m glad you’re going to give it a whirl! If, along the way, you have questions about your design, or the process, don’t be afraid to get in touch to ask questions. I am rooting for you to make a successful collagraph on your first try so you’ll get pulled into the fun-vortex of this lovely style of printmaking! Thanks for your compliments!
Hi Belinda - this is a very helpful video so many thanks to you. Can I ask what you seal your mattboard with - PVA? Shellac? Your videos are consistently helpful and inspiring however I found the music didn't aid my concentration - I have to focus on one thing at a time.
Great set of prints and video Belinda! I've been recently thinking about doing a collagraph print. I haven't made one in a long time and this pushed me over the edge to get to it again! I definitely have more scrap mat board than I know what to do with!
Thanks, Graham! I would *love* to see one of your mat board collagraphs, and I'm looking forward to seeing part two of your resingrave video too. (I have a 'too old to admit' unfinished engraving in my studio, so your video is inspiring.)
I just did some printmaking at home with the matte boards. Some worked out, some did not. But overall I was really pleased with the outcome. I wish I could post one of my pieces here but I have no clue how to do that.
Gabriele Bitter That's wonderful! Congratulations on making it happen - and doing it on your own! If you figure out how to post images of your prints anywhere on social media, please put a link here so we can see!
Thanks for sharing this! Could you make a video where you show the process you used to create the plate for a print like this one? I am curious to see how it is sealed and if you cut into the matboard with a knife or used an etching tool.
Hi Kim, thanks for stopping by! The tutorial for making a mat board collagraph is on my channel (there are three of them, so far), and the most detailed instructions are on a California house portrait... The link is in the notes of this video. Just open the Show More section under this video window. Let me know if you have any questions! Happy printing!
Kim,
Here is the link to the video: bit.ly/1JaJN48
Thank you very much for your great videos. I really like how you explain the process in your videos. I have a question about Akua Pin Press if you tried it before. Do you think that is it a good investment for printmaking? I really enjoyed to make collagraph ones and I would like to make more. I used different materials and textures for my collagraph print. I took an Introduction to Printmaking class and we used the Printing Press, and I could make the collagraph. But the semester is ending and after the semester is done, I cannot have the access the printing press.
Hello, Bazak - thanks for your nice note. I have never used the Akua pin press. I suspect that it might be a challenge to use that method to print collagraphs, especially if the topography of your plate varies quite a bit. Rather than rolling something back and forth, where the stretch of your paper, and the bumps in your plates might cause the paper to make contact and print staggered ink marks in slightly different areas of the paper, a single pass of pressure is most efficient for a collagraph. If you work small, printmakers have been successfully using small, inexpensive crafting stencil and embossing machines as presses. There is an international group on Facebook devoted to sharing methods and machines - its called Craft Press Printmakers. That’s what I would recommend to try, after your class is over. Happy printing!
@@bdelpesco Thank you very much!
Another fabulous video. Did you apply ink before each new press? I’m guessing yes, bc you say it takes awhile for ink to build up
Can I trouble you to clarify?
Hi Christina, yes, you re-ink your plate and wipe the upper, raised areas before printing - for each print in the edition.
Have a look at this demo: ua-cam.com/video/_ZeG3cibUY0/v-deo.html And let me know if you still have questions...
Great work! Which spoon do you use for printing?
Hi m m - thank you! I use a variety of spoons (you should see my collection - like the crazy cat lady, but with spoons)😁 In this video, I’m using a vintage sterling soup ladle. My favorite tool for hand printing is a plain, silver, unremarkable - cereal spoon. Happy printmaking! 👍🏽
@@bdelpesco Thank you! I will go around the antique market to find a good one!
thank you! your videos are super informative. I was wondering how you made the design on the old mat board? was it carved? built up? with what? thanks!!, Jennifer from Istanbul
Hello Jennifer, I’m glad you’re enjoying the video tutorials. There are a few mat board collagraph demonstrations here on my channel - like this one: How to Make a Collagraph Print (with Mat Board - Intaglio) without a Press
Look through the videos, and you’ll see I’m using the same approach repeatedly. Carving a shallow line, or a very shallow outline into a shape, to peel the uppermost layer away. There’s no additive layers of material. I hope you have a ton of fun!
I always love your prints.. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks for that kindness, Randi! I hope you're making things this season! :)
Can you do the same with drypoint using plastic?
Yes, and there are demos of that process on this channel, so I invite you to have a look around. Happy printing!
Lovely! I see the date on the message is four years ago. But will add a comment anyway, in hopes you will get it. I am soaking up your videos. Love them! Want to know more about doing a you tube channel. So will try to learn that. Your videos are great! They are executed very well!
Hello Pejj - thanks for your visit and your compliments! Best of luck to you on launching your chanel. :)
@@bdelpesco Any tips on the you tube channel? Perhaps there is a video lol there is for other things! Here is a tip for you. Catherine Orer The Entrepreneur Network on Facebook. She helps with the business end of being an artist. Great labs, group of people! Best wishes! Pejj
@@pejjnunes3069 You are absolutely right: search youtube for tips on building your channel and sort by date so you have the latest information. I like watching Tim Schmoyer's videos: ua-cam.com/users/VideoCreatorsTVvideos Thanks so much for your tip on Catherine. I will check her out! Keep at it, and have fun! :)
Have you ever used the Intaglio Water-Based Ink, Opaque White I am trying to figure out if I want to do a print on black paper if the ink has sufficient opacity to overcome the black or darker paper. For example I am trying to use a white line on a black paper instead of a black line on white paper.
Hi Romel, I don't like water-based inks, but I love water-wash-up inks. My preferred brands are Akua and Caligo Safewash. If you use Akua, be sure your black paper has *no* sizing in it, or the ink will not dry. The opacity of the inks are great.
@@bdelpesco Thanks for the response and efforts. Any particular reason for not liking water based inks? My assumption is that the water based intaglio/etchings ink tends to move if watercolor is placed above them. When referring to Caligo Safewash are your referring to Caligo Safe Wash Etching Ink? For Akua I am only seeing their Intaglio Water-Based Ink when I search , are you referring to another type of Akua ink?.
@romelmadrayart Hi Romel - water based inks re-wet when you add any wet media - making mud - and they dry super fast - on the plate and on the slab, so printing an edition is challenging. Water-WASHABLE inks are not water based - Akua is soy oil based, and Caligo is linseed oil based, so pay close attention to how the term water is used in the marketing verbiage. Both Akua and Caligo are formulated to wash up/clean with water. Akua dries via *absorption* into the paper, so any good printmaking paper works beautifully. Caligo *air dries*, slowly, so you have time to roll out your color on the slab, or the plate, and print your edition. And yes, I’m referring to Caligo Safewash etching and relief inks - both are amazing, and newer to me, as well as Akua intaglio inks - which I’ve used for years.
Is the paper soaked in water and then dried again? Or is it moist? Is it to absorbe the ink better?
Printmaking paper is either soaked and blotted, or lightly spritzed with water and blotted just before printing to soften the cotton pulp. That increases the paper’s flexibility so the sheets will dip down when pressed with a baren, spoon or a press into the shallow wells and curbs on the plate to collect ink.
After doing water color or any other medium on top of print , is it than also counted in editions?
Hello Waania - yes, you can still edition a print that you hand color. Example: If you have a limited edition of 10, you can (if you want - it’s not a “requirement”) mark prints like this: 1/10 E.V. (The ev is an abbreviation for “edition varies”). Does that make sense to you?
Yes thankyou
On your matte board do you have carborundum? I can see that you get the blacks by removing the top layer of the board but how do you get the grays/shading? Your videos are amazingly helpful. I'm addicted. Thanks!!!
Hi cerealsilk! There's no carborundum on this particular plate, so the gradations in ink are deliberate from the wiping. 1) I used sticky, thick ink, and 2) the lower layer of the mat board where I've cut away the top cover is pulpy with a little texture, even after sealing it with the gloss varnish, so that holds ink, and 3) I wiped with a stiff cloth and/or rolled paper so there was very little "dipping" in to wipe the ink out of the recessed areas. Keep your wiping focused on the top level, and then spot wipe gently in stages where you want gradations. Good luck, and come back here and share your results! Thanks for the compliments! :)
Hi Belinda,
I've watched most of the printmaking videos on youtube and I find yours are the best. This method of doing a collagraph satisfies my needs to draw, paint and multiply! I like that the drawing is a crucial part of the whole piece. I have one question. Would a stainless steel rolling pin work for printing or do you feel the spoon is better at getting into all the crevices? Thanks again for your wonderful videos.
Bridget
Hi again Bridget Becker - Thanks for your compliments. :) I would vote for *both* the stainless pin and the spoon. I predict some prints will work just fine with the pin, and others, once pulled, will require some pin-first and then spot-pressure with the spoon before pulling an edition.
Love your demos 👍🇨🇦🤔🎨😀🖍✏️
I really appreciate the feedback! Thanks for taking the time to let me know! 🙂
Wow! So inspiring! Thank you for sharing :)
Hi Chay, Thanks so much for the feedback, and happy printing to you!
I Would like to see how the matrix was done
Hello Ma - you can see the details, and a supply list here: ua-cam.com/video/hxPDNyMqwdc/v-deo.html
Hi Belinda ! You're a genious!!! I'm from Buenos Aires, Argentina ! Just one question, mat board is the same as paspartout? Cheers!!!!
Thanks for stopping by and leaving feedback. Yes, mat board is the same! Have fun making & printing!
thanks Belinda! (sorry it's "genius", you're really one !)
Thanks Monique! :) Happy art making!
Hello great video. what ink did you use?
Hi +Danielle Tadla - I used Akua Intaglio ink, mixed 50-50 with Akua MagMix. Have you used it?
If you colour each print with different colours would the whole series be considered an edition?
Hi +Shang Li yes, it would still be an edition, and you could mark each number with "e.v." If you want (edition varies). Not required, but it you want to follow protocol, that's an easy workaround. Happy printmaking!
Thank you!