Introducing colour

This week I tried introducing colour to my drypoints using 'simultaneous colour printing' or the viscosity printing method, largely developed by Stanley William Hayter.  This is a method of introducing layers of colour onto one plate.   What I did learn was that it isn't as easy as our wonderful technicians make it look!  It is a process of using layers of colour on one plate, by changing the viscosity of the etching inks by adding copper plate oil.  The roller needs to be wide enough in diameter to make one sweep across the plate.  I did not manage this and that's why the colour is uneven.  However, there are no hard and fast rules and I think it's a very exciting process for those wanting to use colour and maybe after a lot of practice I might get somewhere!

Here are some new drypoints in progress.

Primrose, Bird's-Eye Primrose, bees, pollen, petals, roots - 25 x 25 cm

In a whirl

Close up of In a whirl

Rolling out the ink - good arm exercise as it took me a while to get it even!

After laying down of the ink onto the plate it is placed on the press (note: I did not mess up the blankets!)

First In a whirl with colour