Continuation of printing an older block onto Bamboo paper

Moon and Forest

linoleum block print

Image size: 10 x 10 cm (4 x 4 in.)

Final trimmed paper size: 20 x 20 cm (8 x 8 in.)

open edition

This study titled Moon & Forest is the continuation six years later of a linoleum block print that was started back in 2005. At that particular time I was printing only using hand burnishing and using water based inks. I couldn't really achieve a good solid print then and so I put the block away after getting frustrated and producing only a handful of prints on paper.

Last night we were viewing that once every 18 years supersize full moon through the fir trees in my yard (it was a bit obscured by clouds so didn't really see much of it here). Somehow it reminded me of this image and planted the idea to try printing again now that I have better inks and a press.

This morning in the studio I dug through drawers that contain old blocks that have not been cancelled.
Lo and behold the blocks were still there and in good shape (I had protected them in a small box).
The background block incorporates a slight jigsaw option, for the details in the moon face are a circular shaped piece that pops out and is inked independently of the background square. I carefully set it back into place using tweezers after applying a light blue-gray color of ink with a small 19 mm (3/4 inch rubber brayer). For the blue background I put a little Daniel Smith Pthalo blue and titanium white side by side on my inking slab. Using a 6 inch brayer I continuously rolled out the ink until the two blended together. The gradient blue blend came out very subtle (in the first image posted at top) and although I would like a bit more of a lighter blue horizon towards the bottom, I am content with the first few proofs that were printed.

The second block (keyblock) had Daniel Smith carbon black oil applied with another brayer..

This print used my 3 hole punch registration board system and was printed using the slight pressure from the top roller of my printing press. I set a piece of  6 mm (1/4 in.) tagboard over the printing paper and ran it under the roller once the proper pressure had been set with the turnable pressure gauge handles. I did a test print on newsprint first to make sure the blocks lined up on the registration board.


This is also the very first time I have printed onto Awagami Bamboo paper. It is recommended for letterpress and relief printing so decided to see how it handled. I quite like the end result and although it is a stiff 250 gsm paper it performs well when using a press for printing.

Don't think I would want to hand burnish onto this as it is fairly weighty and stiff in nature and needs a bit more pressure to give a good solid and even transfer of ink.
To achieve this I applied a very light mist of water before setting the paper on to the inked block.

It will take a few days to dry but  have the few I printed hanging on a line in a warm and dry basement.