Woodblock Printing : Printing a Sky Gradation : Hasui Reproduction

Today we are printing the sky gradation on our "Moored Boat in Snow" print. I walk through the steps it takes to get a smooth gradation from dark to light. This style of printmaking is called Mokuhanga and it is the traditional Japanese printmaking technique that uses hand carved wood blocks and water based pigments. The paper I'm using is called washi and is hand made by skilled crafts people in Japan. Please comment below if you have any questions, and let me know what kind of printmaking you use in your studio.
My website:
www.stephenwin...
Jed Henry's website:
ukiyoeheroes.com
Original image:
Kawasaki Hasui
Moored Boat in Snow
c. 1930's

[@pamelasorrells2187]

It's amazing to me how you can get the gradation consistent with each print! Well done 💙

[@stephenwiniecki]

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

[@msbalboa1000]

❤❤❤

[@vitormendes8445]

Do you varnish the woodblock before printing?

[@stephenwiniecki]

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.

[@msbalboa1000]

Sir kindly tell me what transparent meterial in container?

[@stephenwiniecki]

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

[@msbalboa1000]

@@stephenwiniecki thank you 😊