A few Art Tutorials from my YouTube Channel
Online Courses
Making + Mindset
Let’s paint some watercolors, make some prints, and get better at drawing with practical approaches, the right tools, and a pinch of enthusiasm. Then we’ll create some beautiful art. And let’s also adjust our mindset for more frequent, fun, and successful creative time!
Free Video Tutorials
In addition to BelindaTips.com online classroom, you can also explore my YouTube channel. Take your time watching tutorials on watercolor glazing techniques, linocut carving set up, three color relief printmaking, building a collagraph plate, inking in the a la poupee method, making a monotype, etc.
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I am new to printmaking and see that you use AKUA intaglio ink. Is this the best ink for print making? What are other comparable water-soluble inks? Also I don’t understand when one uses the Akua intaglio ink and when one uses Akua’s liquid pigment. I have some of each of the inks but they are taking FOREVER to dry. I have used them on print paper and fabric. I have heat set the inks with an iron but the inks still stain my fingers. Lots of questions so am not sure why Akua is the best for paper and/or fabric. I’m hoping you can clarify.
Many thanks,
April
Hello April, Welcome to printmaking! You’re about to have a ton of fun, and I hope your adventures in the studio leave you coming back to play often and successfully!
I do like Akua inks, as well as Caligo Safewash intaglio inks by Cranfield for drypoint, collagraph, and etchings. One is soy-based, the other is linseed-oil-based. Both dry permanent, and wash up with water. I can’t speak to Akua or Caligo relief inks, since I haven’t done any block-printing with them yet. Akua Liquid pigment is great for monotypes. Download this handy Akua User Guide for more details on their inks: https://www.speedballart.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/Akua-User-Guide.pdf You might also subscribe to their youtube channel for tips and tricks if you’re a visual learner: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI2oh8CBzbcS8ezun5KPWVA
Akua inks dry via absorption, so if your paper has any sizing in it, or it’s made from Japanese wood fiber, instead of cotton, drying time is prohibited by the resistance to absorption. Same on your fabric – is it cotton or polyester synthetic fabrics? Which paper did you use? And what form of printmaking are you trying?
You are such an inspiration. Because of your amazing tutorials, I have made some fulfilling editions of intaglio with watercolor and prima color pencils. Now I am going to buy a set of Nupastels. Do you recommend using a fixative on top of intaglio with watercolor and Prismacolor nupastel? (i.e., Sennelier fixative for soft pastels?) Thanks!
Hi Anna, Thank you for the great feedback. ❤️ Happy Days in your printmaking adventures!
Macadamia White Chocolate are my favorite cookies.
I am just learning about glazing.Your pictures dance and shimmer on the paper.
Do you wait for each layer to dry completely in between?
Hi Rhonda, If we hadn’t just trimmed the Macadamia tree to half its size, I’d offer you a bag of nuts! But on the next batch, I’ll bake something for you. 🙂 Yes, each layer dries before adding another. They’re laid in thin enough that they dry quickly – even in a coastal town. Thanks for the compliments!