Art, Paper, Prints and Painting

Etching is a traditional printmaking technique that combines drawing, chemistry, and craftsmanship to create beautiful, detailed images. While it may seem intimidating at first, beginners can absolutely get started with a few basics and a curious spirit. A two colour etching. Printed first in blue then the plate inked up in purple  and turned 180' before making the second pass.  What is Etching? Etching is a type of intaglio printmaking. Instead of drawing on the surface, the artist scratches lines into a metal plate (often copper or zinc) which has ben coated with varnish on both sides. Acid is then used to “bite” into the exposed lines, creating grooves. Ink is pushed into these grooves, and when paper is pressed onto the plate with a printing press, the image transfers. What You’ll Need: A metal plate (copper or zinc is most common) A ground (a waxy, acid-resistant coating) Etching needle or scribe to draw into the ground Acid bath (ferric chloride for copper, nitric acid f...

Lithography is one of the most fascinating and historic printmaking techniques. Developed in the late 18th century, it was once the medium of choice for artists like Toulouse-Lautrec, Picasso, and Käthe Kollwitz. Today, it remains a powerful way to create rich, textured prints with endless creative possibilities. If you’re curious about getting started, here’s what you need to know. What is Lithography? At its core, lithography works on the principle that oil and water don’t mix. Traditionally, artists draw directly onto a flat stone or metal plate with a greasy medium. The surface is then treated chemically so that the drawn areas attract ink while the blank areas repel it. When dampened, the plate or stone can be rolled with ink and pressed to paper, producing beautiful, repeatable images. What You’ll Need to Begin Lithography does require some specialised tools and materials. If you’re new, it’s worth joining a community print studio where the heavy equipment is already available. B...

  Why Try Lithography? Lithography offers a unique combination of freedom and control. You can work with detailed line drawing, painterly washes, or bold, graphic shapes. The textures and layers are unlike anything digital printing can replicate. Plus, it connects you with centuries of printmaking tradition. Tips for Beginners Start by taking a workshop—handling the materials makes everything click. Work at a shared print studio if possible, since presses and stones are heavy and expensive. Don’t be afraid of mistakes; lithography is as much about learning the process as making finished prints. Lithography can feel a little intimidating at first, but once you’ve tried it, the magic of seeing your first image come off the press is unforgettable. Whether you’re an artist, a printmaker, or just someone curious about traditional crafts, lithography is a rewarding way to combine drawing, chemistry, and creativity. Next post will be a beginners guide on how to start the process of lithog...

  One of the things I love most about gel printing is the element of surprise. You roll on some paint, maybe add a stencil or press in a texture, pull the paper off the plate—and suddenly you’ve got something completely unexpected. Sometimes the print is gorgeous on its own, but a lot of the time I end up with papers that feel more like “hmm, interesting.” And that’s where collage comes in. Why They Work So Well Together Gel prints make the best collage material. All those textures, smudges, and layers of color become these beautiful little building blocks. Even the “not-so-pretty” prints take on new life when you rip them up and layer them with others. It’s like every scrap has potential—you just need to find where it fits. Here’s how I usually do it. Grab your print papers – The more variety, the better. Tear or cut – Sometimes I go for rough edges, sometimes clean shapes.  Play around – I move pieces around on my base until it starts to look reight. try to get a balance. I...

AI is making it easier than ever to create unique, eye-catching pictures. With tools like MidJourney , you can type in a simple prompt—“a neon city floating in the clouds” or “a cat dressed as a pirate”—and get back detailed, professional-looking images in seconds. You don’t need drawing skills or expensive software, just your imagination and a few words are enough to spark incredible results.  The fun lies in experimenting, seeing unexpected outcomes, and letting AI help you capture ideas you might never have been able to sketch by hand. But the magic doesn’t have to stop with a still image. MidJourney now lets you animate those creations directly into short video clips. With a single click on the Animate button, your static picture can turn into a living scene—a camera slowly panning through your neon city, or your pirate cat swaying as if caught by the wind. You can keep it subtle with gentle motion or go bold with dramatic shifts, creating clips up to 21 seconds long. In just ...