Some demos of the color layers used to create a woodblock image.
A four color reduction print showing a progression of each color layer. The image is an illustration in the Royal Road book published in 2012.
A couple of two-color reduction prints showing each color layer separately. The images are woodblock illustrations to the Royal Road book published in 2012.
The first color run for both images
The second color run after each block has been carved a second time.
The final images with both color layers printed together.
A ten color reduction woodblock using three blocks. Image measures 7 x 9" and was created during a multiple day workshop as a demo for the class.
A line drawing of the original watercolor sketch was made on tracing paper and transferred to three woodblocks. The blocks were designated as ochre, rose and blue.
OCHRE BLOCK
Color Run 1
The first block printed a pale ochre, setting a color base in the foreground. I usually wonder how this large shape is going to turn into an image.
ROSE BLOCK
Color Run 2
The second block was printed as a grayed out rose which established the value shapes in the composition.
BLUE BLOCK
Color Run 3
The thrid color run was printed from the blue block. The transparent blue changes color when printed over the previous colors. The image begins to emerge.
BLUE BLOCK
Second Cut
Color Run 4
Once the first blue block carving was printed, the block was carved a second time and then printed with a darker rose blue.
OCHRE BLOCK
Second Cut
Color Run 5
The ochre block was carved a second time and then printed using a pale warm green ink.
BLUE BLOCK
Third Cut
Color Run 6
The blue block was carved a third time and then printed with a darker blue to develop form in the distance and define shapes in the foreground.
ROSE BLOCK
Second Cut
Color Run 7
The rose block was carved a second time and then printed using a blue carmine mix for the ink.
BLUE BLOCK
Forth Cut
Color Run 8
The blue block was cut a forth time and printed with a deeper blue to accent the depth of the gorge.
OCHRE BLOCK
Third Cut
Color Run 9
The ochre block was carved a third time and then printed as medium warm green developing depth in the foreground.
BLUE BLOCK
Fifth Cut
Color Run 10
The blue block was carved a fifth time and then printed as a dark blue suggesting detail within the gorge.
