Block Printing

Back in high school we got to do a block printing project in art class. Lately I have been wanting to try it again. This time though I wanted to start printing on clothes. I didn't get the right ink for clothes yet, so I stuck with just doing prints on paper. (I will be printing on clothes soon) After doing some reading, I thought acrylic paints would be the best choice since I was only doing a few prints with each block... and I already had them. Acrylic paints dry quicker than block printing inks, so when doing larger prints you may end up with partial prints. But to be honest I kind of like the look of the partial print.

Block printing takes a few steps. First step is to choose your type of block you want to use. There are several different options. I have seen anything from the traditional linoleum block to blocks of soap (kids), speedballs speedy stamp carving block to blocks of wood. I decided on trying both the speedy stamp and the traditional linoleum block. I recommend if you are a first timer to use the speedy stamp, I found it to be a lot easier to carve into. Next choose a design, use transfer paper to trace the image onto the block and then start carving. I used a speedball Linoleum cutter assortment which i purchased at Michaels for around $15.oo. And well, i am sure you can figure out the rest. This is what I came up with. Enjoy!

Traditional Linoleum Block and Cutting Assortment

Speedballs Speedy Stamp Carving Block

New Joy In An Old Passion

Over the last few weeks I have felt inspired to start painting again. Something I haven't done since before my brother passed away. The first painting I did was one of him. The picture was of him on Christmas day laying on the couch and I had just gotten a new camera and snapped a quick shot. The second painting was a self portrait. I am having a lot of fun getting back into it. My next painting, which I am looking forward too, it will be a surprise:) It is for the living room of one of my good friends.

Updated Website

I have been going over and over with designing a new website for Graphic Nineteen and every time I seem to have something I kind of like, I keep coming back to my original design. What I like about my site is the cleanness and simplicity of it. So what I decided to do instead of create a whole new site. I decided just to update my current one. Use the same layout and change some images, add in a new page "Services". I haven't updated my portfolio yet.. the last time was October so bear with me.