I wish it was summer....

...in my engraving, that is. I'm still doing the bits between the bare tree branches. To balance things out I've started to work on the figure too. Being still a newcomer to this I'm not sure how the textures on the block will turn out on the print and I envisage having to do some state proofing as I go along. It's quite exciting feeling my way like this.

Talking of proofing, I'm still burnishing with a spoon, still patchy results and there are questions as to whether it's the elderly ink or the paper. I have more trials to do. I've started looking for a press, money's tight but I've decided to ebay a few unwanted items to help pay for it.

I'm doing a little engraving most evenings now, it's slowly getting there. I look forward to being able to spend a whole day engraving, I don't know when but it'll happen. Maybe not till our holiday in Cornwall in August, given my work schedules. I can wait that long.

Walkies....The first cut

Well, I started cutting this block almost a week ago. It's taking time, I didn't realise there were so many branches to cut around! Still, it's good practice trying out different textures with the tools. I'll post more soon.

Progress?

As I have to keep putting off my print run of Charlie because of lack of time (see below) I've decided to start on my next block. After all, it's much quicker to set up engraving tools than the printing stuff and I can engrave evenings. So....here's the sketch I scribbled out last night during 'most haunted', a weird paranormal TV programme that I really don't know quite what to make of. Nothing to do with this design, this is more on the environmental theme.

Also a block I've already scribbled a design on as yet uncut, as I'm unsure as to my approach. Logging off in haste now as a thunderstorm is hoving into view.....