oil painting stains & blotches

Here are some drypoint prints of the Old Montreal Clock tower that I made with my new Richeson baby press – I have mixed feelings about the results – I had to experiment to find the right amount of pressure to use with this kind of paper and my new press using a felt catcher blanket, which is ticker than the improvised catcher made from some other fabric on the press that I was initiated to printmaking a year ago.

Quai de l'horloge – 1st of 10 5x7 drypoint print on Rives paper, depicting the Clocktower at the Old port of Montreal

Quai de l'horloge – 3rd of 10 5x7 drypoint print on Rives paper, depicting the Clocktower at the Old port of Montreal

Quai de l'horloge – 5th of 10 5x7 drypoint print on Rives paper, depicting the Clocktower at the Old port of Montreal

Quai de l'horloge – 6th of 10 5x7 drypoint print on Rives paper, depicting the Clocktower at the Old port of Montreal

So I wasted a bit of paper and also realized after my very first print that some of the etched lines were too delicate and had to go over them with the drypoint needle. Using Paynes grey on white BFK Rives paper, I tried different things by wiping-off more or less thoroughly the copper plate. Then I tried intentionally leaving whole blotches of ink, and even added some – I like very much the effect that it gives – I should experiment some more and perhaps try some monotypes in the near future.