New Linocut

Having seriously huffed with my Gocco....it is not printing at all well, I have moved on to a linocut. Pleased with it so far. Will post the finished result by the end of the week.

Cutting new lino design

New Work for North Rock Gallery

I am very chuffed to have been asked to prepare some work for the North Rock Gallery in Shetland. The are holding an exhibition to run throughout the Tall Ships Event which will be in July. I'm thinking TOURISTS!!!! from all over so this will be a fantastic opportunity to get my work seen.
I don't have very long to do this (less than a fortnight) so I started on new designs yesterday. I have decided to begin with a Gocco design. This is not very large, but it is ideal for cards and the nifty thing is, it can be scanned in once printed and enlarged to be printed on bags etc. That way I am getting the most out of my Gocco as believe me, the screens and bulbs for this little contraption are like gold dust!
Here are some images of my initial sketches and design ready for exposure.

Sketchbook work and gocco design

 I am going for a sea/coastal theme....yes...birds again. Anyone would think I'm a bird fanatic, but I have just grown to love drawing them these past few months. Similar to the pigeon, the gull is seen as a bloomin pest. So I have decided to prettify it!

I purchased my Gocco last year. I don't have many screens left so I am almost scared to used it at times, as if it goes wrong its a bummer. Anyway, I am trying this seagull design out in the hope that it works.

Gocco Design ready to be exposed

The design exposed onto the screen

You can see where the image as been burnt on to the screen. This is where the ink will go through, just like in the normal screenprinting process. Here's hoping it is successful! I will post the outcome if it is!

GEESE!

I was starting to panic there as I was having trouble getting into my account. All fixed now though!
The trip up to the Bonhoga for the Progressions exhibition was enjoyable. I had a lot of interest in how I create my images and most couldn't believe it was out of any old junk. The trip back was dire! Force 8 gales and I have not inherited my Grandfather's (Daa Gibbie) sailor gene....I'll say no more!
Anyway here are some pics of the work both on display and close up.

Work on Display in Shetland

Haven (collagraph)

Tenderfeet (Collagraph)

Gathering (Collagraph)

Passage (Collagraph)

Bags for Sale!

I have some stuff for sale in my Folksy shop already and these are two new pieces I have been meaning to showcase. I would like to know what folks think so your comments would be appreciated.

Hand printed using Red Permaset Ink

Close up of detail

Hand printed using purple Permaset fabric ink

Close up of detail

It's nice up North

Yes, in the words of John Shuttleworth it is 'nice up North'
I am setting off for a trip to my Homeland on Thursday to attend the Progressions Exhibition Opening. Here is a pic of one of the pieces that will be shown.

" Gathering"

 I will post the others once I return.
Can't wait as this is the longest stretch I have spent away from Shetland and I am feeling it. I am hoping to get a whole load of visual fodder when I am up there. May have left it too late, but I want to have a new body of small prints (linocuts, wood engravings and screenprints) with a Shetland theme in time for the Tall Ships which will be happening up there in late July. There will be a lot of tourists and potential to get some Natty Maid work sold and taken afar. So I best get a move on.