Printing 'Dungbeetle' in gold ink

This lino block of a Dungbeetle with its lovely ball of dung is one that I carved long ago and it has lived in a drawer for years - and then I had the idea to try it again with a bit of gold ink as I was printing some other gold prints...luckily it has survived well and printed perfectly still. Inked up it looks like an ancient relic to me with the gold. Plans now are to make an edition in gold, printed onto black Stonehenge paper and enjoy printing a lovely golden ball of poo!

Brighton Lino Print

Here is a little peek at my new lino print - ink still slightly wet - Black Cat Devouring Brighton Pier

I'm not sure if there are many cats around who do want to eat the pier in Brighton, but this one certainly does and I am not going to argue with it...

This was so much fun to cut out (if you are into lino cutting) - all those lovely fur marks on the cat and all the fiddly buildings and landmarks in Brighton...not to mention the Pier itself, with incredibly intricate metalwork on it's structure.  I may have missed a few support struts out, sorry structural engineers.

If you want to take a look at Black Cat Devouring Brighton Pier in my online shop you can pop over here--->  ETSY or FOLKSY you can choose :)

September exhbition

After a summer break and then a lot of beetle carving it is time for a show - really excited to be part of an art exhibition called NATURAL HABITATS in Bristol at The Malago on North Street. 

It has been organised by TRIBE AISTHETICA and there rare three of us showing nature inspired work, so definitely worth popping in if you are in Bristol.

I have several pieces based on drawings of birds and beetles I have made in Bristol Museum, where I have been lucky enough to spend time in the stores with some of the amazing collections held there.  The beetles are mostly burying beetles and it has been fascinating studying them so closely.

The show runs 2nd September - 6th October if you fancy calling in.

Lino print sort out!

I have spent the last few days having a studio sort out - always a dangerous task to start as who knows what will be unearthed in the process.

These Seagulls have re-appeared from the bottom of the lino print drawer.

Lots of unfinished lino blocks too, all asking for a bit of attention....

Puffin lino print - work in progress

Starting to plan a big flock of Puffins...
Smaller flocks will also be printed - I am just going to have a warm-up session of Puffin lino cutting to see how they come out before going for the huge one!

I went to see Puffins on the Farne Isles in June and it was amazing, totally overwhelming to spend an hour on their island and watch and draw them.  It was too early for Pufflings but the parents were busy.

I am trying to show their brilliant flappy flight in the way I draw them, so hopefully that will work out too as the drawing progresses....

I always draw my designs out on paper first before l transfer it to the lino block using tracing paper.  It can take a while for a large lino block but I love drawing so would hate to miss that stage out.  I know some people draw straight onto the block or just carve, but that is not for me!

Lie On the Ground - lino cut print

A new lino print  One that has been simmering for quite a while now and has finally made it onto paper.  It has a friend too, but that one is still in a sketchbook.  I've popped it into my Etsy shop too :)

I was also pleased to carve all those little words without mishap - that doesn't always happen!