Carborundum Collagraph Print

a collagraph print of a bay window surrounded by books, with a figure lounging with a cat and a book on the sill

Save for later & Share!

Carborundum Collagraph Print

This carborundum collagraph print was made with mat board, acrylic gloss, and carborundum (fine sandpaper grit).

The plate was inked and wiped to print intaglio style (from the recessed areas of the plate, rather than relief style – from the uppermost surface).

Wiping ink from a gloss-sealed matboard plate featuring wide, shallow shapes, carved and peeled away can result in cleared ink you meant to keep in place. We create those shallow, recessed nooks and crannies to hold ink – for darker passages in the print design. Wiping around them can feel too finicky, so adding carborundum to the plate is an excellent solution.

Sketching a design on matboard with a Bic Velocity technical pencil… from two different reference photos – a room interior, and a reclined figure holding a book with a cat perched on her belly, superimposed into the scene.
After carving and sealing the mat board collagraph plate with Acrylic Gloss, Akua Carborundum gel was carefully painted on surfaces where I wanted the ink to stay in place for darker shapes or half-tones.
After inking and wiping the carborundum collagraph plate, you can see the contrast transferred to the print after a trip through the press.
Adding carborundum to the plate also holds colored inks in place for a la poupee printmaking.
An a la poupee (<— more about that process over yonder) color collagraph print in my hand and the mat board and carborundum plate it was pulled from above it.
Printing a mat board and carborundum collagraph plate with a full palette of printmaking inks leaves lots of room for experimental colors in a varied edition like this.
Four collagraph prints, inked with different colors, and then enhanced with colored pencil. So. Much. Fun. The edition is available in my Etsy Shop over here.

Carborundum Collagraph Print Post Round-Up

If you’d like to make a collagraph print, here is a lineup of previous Collagraph Printmaking posts from my blog archives:

  • This collagraph print post is figurative (mother and child) and there are links to supplies, tutorials videos, and additional collagraph printmaking blog posts.
  • Here is a collagraph print of two cats, carved, inked, and printed with colored inks in the a la poupee method, and then enhanced with colored pencil.
a collagraph print of a woman teaching a baby to swim
Looking for a collagraph printmaking supply list?

Returning to Art-Making

They say the first year after a loss will be challenging in it’s grief storm cycles. We are five months into loss over here, and I’m waiting for more consistency in my mood swings, stronger urges in my creativity, more peace in my heart.

We aren’t supposed to launch big changes in the first year of bereavement, but I kinda want to CHANGE EVERYTHING. Except for art-making. I want drawing, painting, and printmaking time more than ever. And I’m grateful to have creativity as a heating pad on my heart every time I reach for art supplies.

Please bear with my scattered posting for a bit longer as I find my bearings. I’ve started a new drypoint and reduction linocut nude this week, and I’ll share the process shots with you when it’s finished. (You can subscribe to get posts via emails.)

In the meantime, I hope you are doing well, and Springtime is fluffing your sense of wonder, and giving your art supplies strong urges to be held and used.

Thanks for stopping in, and I’ll see you in the next post –

Belinda

P.S. Here is an article about Cristina Banban, a rising star in the world of painting, using herself (mostly) as a model.

Art-on-Etsy
Visit my Etsy Shop to see original Printmaking and Watercolor Paintings

Art Quote

I have a very firm belief that the life of no man can be explained in terms of his experiences, of what has happened to him, because in spite of all the poetry, all the philosophy to the contrary, we are not really masters of our fate. We don’t really direct our lives unaided and unobstructed. Our being is subject to all the chances of life. There are so many things we are capable of, that we could be or do. The potentialities are so great that we never, any of us, are more than one-fourth fulfilled. Except that there may be one powerful motivating force that simply carries you along, and I think that was true of me.

Katherine Anne Porter

Save for later & Share!

5 thoughts on “Carborundum Collagraph Print”

  1. Beth Mcnamara

    Belinda- although I don’t know you I so love your work & reading your inspirational posts. I want you to know that I’m carrying you in my heart’s pocket as you find your way through the pain of your loss. I’m so glad your creativity has been a comfort. My best to you ❤️

  2. A great collograph result. All the more moving because you are writing and making through a veil of tears. Thank you for continuing to share as it all works through. Very best Belinda.

    1. Hi David, Thanks for your kindness. I realize that everyone has experienced loss, so I hope this vibrant, good-hearted community can tap into the fellowship we share over creative adventuring, and lean against that communal solace. The very best, right back to you, my friend.

  3. I am very sorry for your loss. Lost my husband 12 years ago…..seems like yesterday. Your posts, and making art, keep me going. Give yourself time..as much as you need …..

    1. Hello Corinne, I’m sorry you lost your sweetheart. I’m glad – and holding your hand – that art-making, art essays, and creative courage keep you going through it all. 🙂 B.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *