More “fun with patterns.” I’ve printed on Hosho for the last couple prints. It is stiffer and thicker than anything else I have used recently. Seems to be willing to hold more ink and easier to handle.

Another one in the drawer…

This is my favorite of the portrait series so far. I was unsure about the patterning in the background at first but am glad I did it. It took about 2 days to cut. I was afraid it would come off as frivolous and ornamental but I think it that it adds a helpful contrasting texture and makes sense as wallpaper. I have a smaller portrait that I will start printing today that uses a similar pattern device.

The first one I printed in this 3rd run included all the line work in the key block.  A lot of those lines were only there so I would know where to cut for the other colors. Here is the finished print before I cut away some of the lines to let the colored shapes define the form – mainly in the arm and collar.

Here is the second color. So far so good.

Been very busy drawing, cutting, mixing and finally printing. Should have to plenty to share in the coming days.

Here is the latest incarnation of the first portrait I cut in this series. The 1st two attempts to print it were not very satisfying but now I’m happy with it.