Chris Trueman Monotype/Screenprint

Press Works began printing screenprint images over Chris Trueman's monotypes.  We printed a pearlescent white over the monotyped aqua blue.  The Akua Intagalio inks and the Permaset Aqua inks printed great together.  The final images look great and each one is unique, layered, and beautiful.

Chris Trueman monotype.  Untitled.  20"x 26"- Monotype with screenprint overlay.

We printed two more with the same screened image.  Chris is going to create another design to be screenprinted over the other monotypes.  Press Works will have all of Chris's monotypes up by summer's end in our new "Visiting Artist's Gallery" which is currently under construction.

 

Todd printing Chris Trueman's screen over his monotype.

Print-nerd extra....and of course we got so into prepping the screen and Oooing and Ahhhing over the monotypes that Todd forgot he had cut down his largest squeegee from another job.  He spent a few hours fabricating a custom squeegee from dumpster-dived wood and spare pins from other squeegees.  Luckily he had a roll of squeegee laying around the shop too.  The aluminum bar adds strength to the wooden handle which was a bit on the thin side.

24+ inch squeegee.  Gotta love the DIY world.

New Gallery page in the works as well as prints...and newsletter through MailChimp

Pressworks is working on several projects this weekend in the shop and on the web.  We are setting up a second on-line gallery for our visiting artists prints and working on a PayPal option so you can purchase the prints from the web.  If you're local and you want to visit in person, just contact Todd to set up an appointment.  He will be happy to show you all that we have.

Todd is busy editioning Hilary Norcliffe's drypoint images as well as testing out a screenprint image addition on top of  Chris Trueman's monotype images.  We will have the results up soon but here's a little teaser of one of Hilary's plates.  Believe it or not these images are tricky to print.  Trying to get a small edition with only the slightest of variation or none at all between prints is proving a challenge.  Have no fear, Todd shall prevail and you won't be disappointed in the results.

One of Hilary Norcliffe's drypoints.  8"x10"

Took a little trip to downtown LA the other week to buy supplies for Chris Trueman's monotypes.  McLogan, Screen Depot, and Rheetech.  Press Works is printing an image over the monotype images that Chris printed.  Should be cool.

The image says it all.  Just one of the places we buy screenprinting supplies.

Don't forget to sign up for the Press Works newsletter through Mail Chimp.  Our newsletter will update you on the latest printmaking workshops, visiting artists, and newest prints among other things. 

Darren Hostetter Screenprint

As promised I am displaying Darren Hostetter's timely screenprint image based on one of his paintings. Maybe the NSA will buy one.  How about Edward Snowden?

Darren Hostetter. Surveillance. 11"x17" Screenprint.

Hilary Norcliffe Returns to Press Works

Artist Hilary Norcliffe was back at Press Works today overseeing the proofing of her drypoint plates as Todd prepped the ink and paper and manned the printing press. The monotype colors were not working to Hilary's satisfaction so we decided to go with straight black and white. After several different test prints Hilary and Todd decided that going with a heavily soaked and well blotted Rives BFK was the way to go.

Because Akua inks are water-based it takes just the right dampness for a good print. Too wet and the image will bleed. Too dry the lines are weak and broken. The final proofs looked great and Hilary ok'd the editioning. She is going to hand-color some of her prints but they look great as achromatic images too. Press Works is going to print a limited edition of four of Hilary's drypoint plates which we will make available for purchase through the Press Works site by summer's end. We also hope to have them on display soon at our brick and mortar location as well as other venues in and around the Inland Empire.  Below is a bit of the printing process.

Wiping the plate.

Blotting the paper.

Placing the paper.

Printing the plate.

Evaluating the print.

Drypoint image with monotyped colors.

Ok, not all the monotyped colors were a bust.  This process involved Hilary painting Akua Kolor inks on acrylic glass, then Todd transferred the colors to the print paper via the press or by hand rubbing.  Then Todd inked and wiped the drypoint plate and registered it to the monotype and sent it through the press a second time to print the black lines.