I fully dry the paper after each printing session in a drying rack. There is usually several days in between carving and printing. I then "re-moisten" the paper before every printing session the same exact way. I use a spray bottle and have a select number of squirts I give to each sheet depending on the size of the paper. If you did not want to dry the paper in between color impressions, you could put the moistened paper pack in the freezer which I do for smaller prints sometimes.

Hello, The key block and the color separations were predetermined for this woodblock print by studio MDHR. They designed this print and hired me to carve and print the edition. But traditionally the key block would be drawn first, carved, and printed out. Color separations would then be planned from this key block and the appropriate number of key blocks would be carved/printed to complete the print.

Glad it was helpful!

Thanks for your comment! You should give it a try sometime, you will learn a lot about the process.

Bravissimo, con questa bellissima tecnica, crea opere meravigliose!

I'm glad you liked it!

Thanks for your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the exhibition.

I do carve across the grain with the knife and the bull nose chisel at times. I do this with caution and always stay in control so I don't chip out delicate areas. Gaining experience while carving and clearing with sharp tools is the only way to understand the nature of the grain and how it reacts with different cuts. I am using Japanese mountain cherry for the key block with the lines, and American cherry for the color blocks. The Japanese cherry is harder and holds a better fine line compared to the American cherry. Both carve nicely and print well with water based pigments.

Thanks for your comment!

Thank you for your support. The print is on the way!

@@stephenwiniecki that's awesome. I'm so much looking forward to see it and to show my family. ❣️🙏🏼

@@ashhempsall9803 Please let me know when it arrives safely. Thanks again!

I use different techniques for every print I make. Some are designed from sketches, paintings, personal photographs, or a combination of these. This print was based on my photograph at Jacob Reese Beach in NYC. I planned out the layers based on color values in photoshop. I simplify the information by reducing the image size and I loose a lot of the fine details when I hand carve the individual color layers. Registration is the key to keep all the color layers lined up together. My color choices are made on the spot while printing and the print organically comes together. I've been doing this for many years and it gets easier with every print. I love the long process of printmaking. From the moment I decide to take a photo or make a sketch, all the way until I package the print and send it to a collector. It's a long journey and I hope my love and attention to detail shows in my work. Thanks for your comment!

@@stephenwiniecki So it's reducing the image size in that case. Thank you! As a beginner printmaker myself I'm curious about different techniques! Thanks again

Good paper is tough to find these days...This is some old washi I had laying around. It was from Woodlike Matsumara in Japan. Unfortunately they are not selling 100% kozo washi to the US. You can find some washi in the states at McClains link below... www.imcclains.com/catalog/paper/groupa.html

Thank you so much!

Thanks for your comment!

In the Studio #10 is live! Go check it out!

I'm glad you like them! Thanks for watching.

Nice! Thanks for watching...

I'm happy you're finding some value in my videos. Thanks for watching!

Thanks for your comment! The finished print video will be out tomorrow.

I do not. This is water based printmaking. The woodblock acts like a sponge and soaks in the water while printing. The goal is to keep the block at the same moisture level throughout the entire printing session. The varnish would prevent the block from absorbing the appropriate amount of water etc. I do varnish my woodblocks when I'm printing with oil pigments sometimes. Usually when I'm working in the reductive print process and I'm trying to preserve the drawing.

Well I try to make them consistent. It's a difficult technique to master.

It is rice paste mixed with some water. It acts like a binder for the pigment and smooths out the color on the block.

@@stephenwiniecki thank you 😊

I'm glad you are enjoying my videos. Thanks for watching!

I'm using Querra Pigment dispersions. It's a water based concentrated pigment. link below... www.guerrapaint.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=145_101

@@stephenwiniecki sir can I use drawing ink or water color instead of querra pigment because this not available in my country

@@msbalboa1000 Yes. Water color tubes work best. Sumi ink works best for black.

Querra Pigment Dispersions. But you could use any watercolor pigment from the tube. www.guerrapaint.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=145_101

Good luck! I will be posting videos on a regular basis during the production of this print. Hope it helps you with your work.

I like to paint on panels when the scale is under 16" or so. Everything larger than that I use canvas or linen. I use way more paint loaded on my brush when I'm using canvas. Thanks for your comment!

Glad you find this project interesting. I'm working on the next video now. Should be ready in a couple days. Thanks for watching!

Thank you!

Glad you like them!

I'd love to see some pics of your work. Thanks for your comment!

Thanks Pam! Glad you are following along

I mostly use American cherry which I get from a local source, or I use shina Plywood from Japan. I sometimes use Japanese Cherry for detailed carving but it has become very expensive to buy and ship to the states.

Im glad I helped you with your printmaking. Let me know how it turns out!

Thanks for the tip! Are you a printmaking student or teacher?

@@stephenwiniecki I’m a bf pictoral arts student! I’m taking a few classes this year and probably next year as well.

Very cool!

Glad you found it useful. Hope it works out well for you!

Thanks 😄

Thanks for your comment

Me too!

Thanks!

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching and leaving a comment.

Thanks!

Thank you very much!

Thanks for your comment. Glad you enjoyed the video.

Thanks! 😄

I will be posting the second half of the process video for this print soon. It will show all the printing stages and the finished print. Thanks for commenting

Thank you for watching!