Brandon, I've been computer-AWOL for awhile and just got over to your site today for the first time in a long time. I'm psyched to see your first print!! It's great. Thanks for describing the process, too.Interesting. I've also been exploring printmaking lately. For me it's woodblock printing, Japanese style with water-based inks, hand rubbed rather than using a press. I love it! Annie B
Hi, thanks everyone. Printmaking is such a vast medium. This was my 'learning' print. I still don't know all the terminology, so bare with me. This is what I did-
First I cut the objects out of paper, monkey head asterix etc. I found this old paper doily in the paper scraps that the teacher had. I glued that first, then glued all the elements together.
In printmaking you really have to think in reverse, like scratchboard. Things that are closer to the surface are going to be the darkest. So, If you see the ear for example... I created smaller ear holes and pasted behind the ear, that way it would be a gradual shift in tone, and darker.
Once you have everything pasted down and it's dried. You paint over the whole piece with Gesso... keeping in mind that your brush strokes will show up later in the print. Once that dries you paint it again with a second coat. You want to make sure it's 'sealed' so that way no ink can get into any exposed paper.
I picked some inks. Rolled them on with an ink roller. I had a tough time keeping the inks seperate, especially the area where the point of the word balloon comes over into the monkey's side. So, I cut them in two. Inked them seperately, then put them back together like a puzzle.
Placed my paper on top of the print, careful not to move once it's in place or it will smudge. then rolled it through the printer.
that's a down and dirty explanation. If you get a chance, take a class. It will be well worth it!
i'm hoping to take a printmaking class this autumn. always wanted to do that. your first piece looks awesome & inspiring. good stuff.
May I ask what method did you use to print these...?
thanks!
Printmaking is totally addictive and great for instant results (although I know there is still all the plate preparation etc, yet it still seems more instant than painting). It seems like you have the knack - your print is great and I could imagine your work selling easily (by the way I am a big fan).
I am in the middle of building my site so I don't have my prints up yet, just my blog, but I am hoping that one way of selling them will be through the site. Also I do the odd craft fair, which isn't always ideal but I have managed to sell a few prints this way.
Now that you have started down this route there is no going back! I dream of getting my own press one day...
Welcome to the world of printmaking! What method of printmaking did you use here?
First, excellent print! This is perfect for your style.
Next, people will know who you are before long...For example, it was exciting to see you listed at Drawn.ca
Keep up the always fabulous work!
you and Annie B. both making prints !! I am envious !!!!
Well, I know who you are! 
Not that I'm anybody, lol... It looks great! Sounds like a fun class. I've been wanting to take some classes but the local college doesn't offer much.
It's a beautiful print!
Hey Jared- Thanks! Yeah, I'd eventually like to sell prints. I haven't the foggiest idea on how to go about something like that though. Plus, it would help if people knew who the heck I was!
Whoa! That's really cool! Makes me want to learn print making as well. Any plans on selling these prints? They'd sell like hotcakes... or however the expression goes.
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