Tuesday afternoon in the studio saw a bit of an experiment with 4 colour process printing. This is something I've tried before while on a course at the beginning of the year, with little success. The image was way too small (It was a Polaroid photo that my great Uncle took on a trip to the US in probably the 1960's) and the 120 dot screen was way too fine and kept clogging. So this time around I used a larger photo and a 90 dot screen. The results are interesting to say the least, but were hard work to get. The registration is the biggest nightmare, with the slightest movement creating offset, which at times gives a rather pleasing result.
This first image is with three colours; Yellow first, then Magenta, then Cyan.
It's missing some depth which only kicks in when you add the Black.
As you can see, it's quite dark in certain areas and very contrasty, but I'm rather intrigued by the effect. Some of this may be the inks being too thick and opaque and a over-absorbent paper giving a bit of bleed to the dots. More experimenting to follow. I'm also thinking of overlaying a clear, gloss varnish which might just richen everything. I've only ever seen 4 colour process done successfully on a litho press where the registration is easier to setup. On the screen bed there's so much room for movement, especially when the press's suction is pretty poor and me leaning on the frame to hold it down probably doesn't help. So I think a bit of Heath Robinson inventiveness may be the answer with a Geff Newland patented registration system being employed!
Today, sees my prints going in the post to Bearspace for the PRINT & DESIGN NOW! 2011 show. Fingers crossed they get there ok. I then just need to work out pricing. Gulp.
Tonight is the last night of the 10 week pottery course at South Hill Park. I've signed up for another 10 weeker in September where I have plans on some slip casting.
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