All the BUZZ!

Taking a macro look at things around us, like insects, can lead to the creation of some interesting images.  This year, unlike last year, we have an abundance of bees.  It's amazing how many different varieties have visited both the apple tree and the daisies, however the honey bees have dominated the group of visitors.  I am always surprised how close you can actually get to them without alarming them - well - they don't appear to be alarmed (could be a case of ignorance is bliss.)

I decided to try carving the more detailed version of these bees,  and then experiment with a variety of printing and color-enhancement options.  Below is the basic bee printed with Ranger black ink.

Visiting Bee - Relief print - black Ranger ink on Strathmore 400 series print paper.

As I work with this new Strathmore print paper, I am liking it better and better.  The 300 series paper provides a reasonable surface to pull proof prints, but it is the 400 series that has the body and texture that I like.  Both the 300 and the 400 provide adequate absorption to add acrylic ink, but I am not particularly happy with either when adding gouache or water color paints.

Choosing the most appropriate paper for the end result continues to be an exploration.  While the print papers are good for printing one color of ink, I have not made multiple plates or block for a multiple plate trial.  I have not found the print papers to be the best for adding non-ink materials.  Bristol paper is smooth and accepting of blocks loaded with ink, they too do not handle water-based additions; in fact, this paper frequently buckles and ripples with the addition of much liquid.  Watercolor paper does a better job of accepting water-based paints (although this varies by brand,) the texture of the papers usually do not provide a good printing surface unless the paper is soaked in water prior to printing.....then it also buckles unless dried between layers of felt and paper.  I think my favorite paper for printing/painting combo process continues to be the Strathmore 500 series mixed media.  It is smooth enough to accept the inked block and make good contact and stable enough to accept wated-based colors without significant distortion.  I look forward to a day when I am equipped to try multiple block color-separation printing with ink.....