I quite often start with a drawn or painted sketch in the location. This is backed up with photos, and the combination of both is useful when I come to draw the image onto the metal plate. Inking up the metal plate can take up to half an hour, longer if it involves more than one colour or is a print using two plates. As each plate is inked up by hand, the prints can vary slightly. It is always quite exciting rolling the plate through the press and then lifting the print off the plate to see the mirror image. 

I sometimes enjoy leaving an early proof of the print in the environment for some time near the subject matter allowing nature and the elements to create their marks. 

Earlier this year I exhibited work at the Fidra Fine Art Gallery in Gullane near Edinburgh. Close by to the Gallery there is a wooded area called Yellowcraigs I visited and it inspired me to produce an etching of a group of trees I saw there.

DOG FRIENDLY | VENUE 45 | 10:00 - 17:00