Mr. Anderson's Magnolia

Mr. Anderson's Magnolia, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

So, this is the first pull from my first 4-color woodblock print. I'm liking the way it is coming along, but I see everything that needs to be fixed as well.

As carefully as I tried to ensure there would be no extraneous cut marks that received ink, it still managed to be full of them - especially the pink block.

Also, I had ordered white ink from Graphic Chemical, but they canceled my order stating that they had no more in stock and they didn't know when or if they would have any more. So I used white acrylic paint with the red water-based ink because it was the only thing I had on hand. I do not like the color. I want a true pink, not a salmon. I'll have to try something else.

I used goyu washi for this first test. I think kitakata would work better. It gives a more crisp print and I think the ivory / off-white tone would work better as branches.

Magnolia Blossoms Keyblock carved!

Magnolia Blossoms Keyblock carved!, originally uploaded by pejnolan.

I still need to carve the registration, but it is getting late tonight and I really wanted to share this before going to bed for the night. Here is the original magnolia sketch.

This word has always caused me trouble. I end up switching the "n" and the "g" and end up saying "mangolia" so I always have to stop myself and think the word before I say it. Maybe having to say it more often will cure me of this verbal dyslexia! So embarrassing!