It has been very quiet around here as the carver has been busy plying her trade with her poor little arthritic fingers. (Play for sympathy, in case you missed it.) They (the fingers) seem to move a little slower each time a new block is started. But, today was Proof Day. I don't know how other woodblock people approach this by my feelings are a mixture of pure dread, and curiosity. Therefore, I seem to breathe rather shallowly until that first proof has been pulled. This time there was a great letting out of breath and normal breathing quickly followed. It is not bad! Here is a photo of the block - from which you can probably tell very little. I had intended to show where I had to build the block back up because my line peeled right off with a mere brushing of a shirt sleeve. I don't think that shows very well, so you will have to imagine that part. It was done with wood epoxy pressed into the spot that needed repair and then carved again just like it was the original thing. McClain's sells this product and it can also be found at most home improvement stores. It is like a miracle drug. Fixes even the most egregious errors. (I imagine - since I have never, of course, had any of those egregious errors myself.) :-/
And, here is the proof on dry copy paper
So, now we are ready to march along with the colors. Two blocks have the images transferred so I am ready to start seriously seeing how I can combine colors on the same plate... I guess I'll start with the yellow and see what happens. These things are always an adventure - one step at a time! (Hopefully, those steps are forward... it is so annoying when they go the other direction...)
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