Tea Time - Twin Tea Bags - Enhancements

The final sketch reveals the fine lines of a pen and ink drawing.  I have yet to get my hand-cut lines this narrow with success, although I think the carved lines would look finer (i.e. more delicate) if I was printing a larger image.  I am increasingly interested in learning more about textures and patterns in carving......

Tea Time - Twin Bags - Pen and ink drawing on 400 series tan Strathmore paper. 

Below is the first pulled draft relief print with hand-colored enhancements.  I continue to enjoy the effect of using the white China marker for both light areas and highlighting.  I don't think it would work well on a hand-colored card, however, because it very easily smears and migrates. 

Tea Time - Twin Bags - First proof print, mixed Daniel Smith  ink printed on 400 series Strathmore paper and hand colored with white China marlker and Derwent Inktense pencils, activated with water. 

I decided to create a visual image that is more suggestive on mixed Teavana blend than a black peco leaf.  If you have ever explored the range of tea choices now on the market, you know how different they look from the chopped leaves from 20 years ago  The addition of rooibos, lavendar, matcha, white tea, green tea, chamomile, vanilla, etc., etc. have really change the flavors, looks, tastes, and textures of teas.  If we are to believe all of the ads, these additions have also changed to health benefits, medicinal impact, and overall life enhancing qualities of the available choices.  The days of walking down the grocery aisle and choosing from Lipton, Red Rose and Celestial Seasons are long gone. 

Tea Time - Twin Tea Bags - Mixed Dankel Smith nk on 400 series Strathmore printmaker paper, and hand colored with FW acrylic inks. 

The image above is not only a tribute to the wonderful tea bag, but a nod to the dozens of concoctions we now have to select from.