Scintillating - drypoint etching print

 

Taking a line for a walk  sketchbook page 8x15cm approx   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

I have so many sketches like this - scribbly lines that I have drawn trying to capture the lines and movement in wind disturbed water. I must have spent days maybe weeks worth of hours watching and listening to where the breeze ruckles and ruffles one area more than another, looking at edges and tonal patterns, feeling the differentials of air, smelling and tasting the salt, observing the sun scintillating across the surface. Although a full sensory experience it is also a calming and soothing way to spend time, maybe the hypnotic patterns blow away any worries that I have.

Taking a number of sketches and memories I have made a drypoint which I think maybe the first in a series of explorations of these scribbles and thoughtnotes.

Scintillating   drypoint etching and plate ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

Scintillating   drypoint etching 8x15cm   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

This print is available in my Folksy store and I have added a second proof print to my Etsy Store. There will be a varies edition of around ten prints once I have finished with this plate but I was getting to impatient and had to share this one with you now ;o)

New Collection - Ginkgo Leaves fabric & wallpaper - drypoint prints too

 

Ginkgo Leaves in Golden Yellow - new collection available as fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and as accessories and soft furnishings at RedBubble   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

If you have been reading along on this blog for a while you may remember looking through a sketchbook that I started somewhere near the beginning that was just for ginkgo drawings and experiments. I was/am obsessed with the trees, I find them fascinating; the history, medical properties, their ability to survive what ever has been thrown at them as a species. I have a mental map of ginkgo's in my area and add to it when I spot them in places out of town that I visit.

Whilst having a tidy of the work room last year I stumbled upon the book, I haven't given it much thought for nearly a decade but as I flipped through I started seeing potential for surface pattern making. 

Ginkgo sketchbook pages  ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

So here it is a new collection Ginkgo Leaves, the product of a few months work. All designs are  available at Spoonflower in a beautiful range of fabrics and wallpaper finishes. For accessories, stationery and home goods the designs are available at RedBubble. I have made the collection available in four colourways with co-ordinating solid colours, pinstripes and patchworks. Do you have a favourite? It is a toss up between the golden yellow and aqua for me.

***Please forgive me as each image I have used here includes the details of mine and Spoonflowers name but as the images get pinned and shared it is useful to me to have the name in it so people can find the products.

Ginkgo Leaves - a new collection available as fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and as accessories and soft furnishings at RedBubble   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

Ginkgo Leaves - a new collection available as fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and as accessories and soft furnishings at RedBubble   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

Ginkgo Leaves - a new collection available as fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and as accessories and soft furnishings at RedBubble   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

Some designs are larger scale than others and they can all be mixed and matched within their colour groups. As an example Falling Ginkgo Leaves below is available in the different tones within the yellow group and on a variety of fabrics from cotton and linen to velvet and chiffon and many others.

Ginkgo Leaves - a new collection available as fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and as accessories and soft furnishings at RedBubble   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

There are seven different options in wallpaper, I love the silver metallic finish which gives a soft and subtle sheen.

Ginkgo Leaves - a new collection available as fabric and wallpaper on Spoonflower and as accessories and soft furnishings at RedBubble   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

As if that wasn't enough to stop my satisfy my yearning to see these trees in leaf I also have two new drypoint prints (available in my Etsy and Folksy stores;

Ginkgo   drypoint 8x7.5cm   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

Ginkgo   drypoint 8x7.5cm   ©2025LisaLeQuelenec

Shades of Autumn II - Oak drypoint prints

 

Oak variable edition drypoint print 8x7.5cm available individually ©2024LisaLeQuelenec

I made a sister print to last weeks Acorns and have popped a couple of variations into both my Etsy and Folksy stores. I rather like working in this way and having colour variations. 

The one below is in Folksy.

Oak no.5 variable edition drypoint print 8x7.5cm available individually ©2024LisaLeQuelenec

I am still working on some larger drypoints of stormy skies and seas but having been rather enjoying the dry spells of sunny weather between the storms so progress has been slower. We have had lots of reference weather to help things along though....my gosh the rain! Obviously nothing compared to the weather some American friends seem to be enduring at the moment though, I do hope they manage to stay safe.

Headland and a Sudden Shower - etching and drypoint prints

 

Headland    etching 6x6cm   ©2024LisaLeQuelenec

It certainly is starting to feel autumnal now with noticeably darker mornings and evenings. Occasionally more dramatic skies and rain showers and a mellowness in the air. I have been reprinting and restocking some of my older plates which are now available in my Etsy Store with prints from these edition at Folksy too.

I have been inspired to work on some new larger prints. I am still in the platemaking and testing stage but hope to have something to show soon. Below are the initial sketchbook thumbnails - these are tiny inch square sketches/ideas - I am working out how to translate them into larger images, how far I can push the boundaries of the plate size before the image is lost. 

Sketchbook thumbnails for the Heavy Weather Series ©2024LisaLeQuelenec

A Sudden Shower   10.5x5.5xm  drypoint etching   ©2024LisaLeQuelenec

Studio sale on Folksy

 

Some of the prints available in the sale over on Folksy.

Selected prints available in my Folksy sale ©2022LisaLeQuelenec

Feather I drypoint etching ©2022LisaLeQuelenec

Feather I drypoint etching ©2022LisaLeQuelenec

Shore - variations in colour - drypoint

Shore   drypoint 8.8x15cm   ©2021 LisaLeQuelenec

 

A varied edition of 15 'Shore' each print will be an experiment in printing different combinations of mulitple colours which is something I haven't really tried before. This is part of my challenge to widen my palette this year.

These prints are available at Folksy.

 

Shore   drypoint variations 8.8x15cm   ©2021 LisaLeQuelenec

Etchings and drypoint prints shop updates

I have been catching up on printing for both SeasidestudiosUk on Etsy and Seasidestudiosuk on Folksy. There are now prints from both the 'Summer's Eve' , 'Ammonite' and 'Feather I' editions available for sale. All three are variable editions and each print that I do is unique in the handling of the ink and the overall effect of the print.

Summer's Eve   6x6cm etching   ©2019LisaLeQuelenec

Feather I   14.5x8cm drypoint   ©2019LisaLeQuelenec

Ammonite   15x20.5cm solar etching   ©2019LisaLeQuelenec

Headland - a new etching

Headland   etching 6x6cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

I love the super strong contrasts of light on the ocean that you get after a heavy downpour and the energy and exhilaration as you wait in anticipation for the next bout to come. So inspiring, even though it can make your eyes ache for the relief in the shadows.


This etching is available on Etsy at Seaside Studios UK.

Bubbles

Bubbles   etching 3x6cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

A new miniature etching. It seems the universal appeal of bubbles and children also extends to puppies. Much fun has been had with a squirt of dish soap, some water and a couple of bubble wands. It's a race to see who can pop them first.

Prints from this edition are available at Seaside Studios UK Etsy  and at Seaside Studios UK Folksy

A toothy grin   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Summer fun is fast drawing to a close....my lil prince starts his first day of school next week! The cute little puppy that came home with us is now toothy and sassy....and I am left wondering where did that time go? I couldn't resist showing you this puppy grin. New teeth are on their way.

Beach Treasures in mixed media

Beach Treasures   etching and mixed media    ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Following on from the etchings in last weeks post I couldn't resist playing with a set in coloured pencil. I have scanned them and made the available as cards and reproduction prints on Redbubble .

Beach treasures   etching and coloured pencil   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Beach treasures etchings and process

Sketches and preliminary sketchbook work for the Beach Treasures etching ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

I had begun to plan my most ambitious etching project to date some time ago. As always it started in my sketchbook and was a kind of continuation of the watercolour beach treasures collections to begin with I wasn't sure if the compositions were going to be in watercolour or print. I had even gotten as far as thinking about colour when I decided to go the etching route.

Concept sketch for Beach Treasures etching plates ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Refining the shapes and drawing for each plate took some time as I wanted to get the spacing and balance perfect for each individual plate and for it to work just as well as a triptych. Once that was done I was ready to make the plates and could easily transfer each outline onto the prepared zinc. Carefully I added in the hatching to render the form of the objects. There is a lovely parallel between the hardness of the shells and pebbles and the delicate marks they have and recreating it on a hard metal plate.

Once completed the plates are bathed in acid for the drawing to be eaten away giving a 'tooth' for the ink to settle in and imprint on the paper. After carefully cleaning away the rest of the ground (the substance used as a barrier to keep the acid from eating away at the metal where you don't want a mark) the plate is ready for inking.

The plates all ready for printing - Beach treasures ©2018LisaLeQueleenc

I have proofed the plates individually (made test prints) in both black and blue/black ink and am happy with the results. It really does pay for me to spend time in the preparation before starting the plate making.

The proof prints are both available mounted as you can see here at Seaside Studios UK on Etsy. Prints of individual plates are available on both Etsy and in my Folksy store.

Beach treasures I, II & III   original etchings, first artists proof prints mounted to 30x50cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Beach treasures I, II & III   original etchings, second artists proof prints mounted to 30x50cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Beach Treasures I, II & III   etchings 6.5x13.5cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Three Pebbles - proofing an etching plate and an experiment.

Two little pebble etching proof prints - trying out ideas for inking - both available on Folksy.

Three Pebbles   artist proof no.2  3x10cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

Three Pebbles   artist proof no.3  3x10cm   ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

....then a little experiment mixing printing techniques and adding drawing. The darker pebble shapes are the individual collagraph plates from a few posts back over-printed onto the etching. Another avenue of possibilities to explore.

Pebbles   etching, collagraph monoprint and watersoluble pencil   17x11.5cm ©2018LisaLeQuelenec

The coast is clear! Etching of Old Harry Rocks

The Coast is Clear!   A/P I etching 14.5x11.5cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Quite some years ago His Nibbs and I went for a walk along the beach at Shell Bay down the way in Studland. We have been many times before and since but there was something about this particular day that sticks out. The sun was out but it was a little hazy, it was neither hot nor cold and there was just a gentle breeze. The water looked glass-like - but with strong contrasts in tone on the surface ripples. Colour was bleached out everything reduced to tones of blue grey. What I remember the most was the stillness and quiet. The quiet sounded loud but gentle if you know what I mean.

Old Harry Rocks photograph ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I took this photograph and along with the memory of that day it has been the inspiration for many drawings, paintings and now an etching. So far I have made two proof prints and have used paper masks to add some sail boat shapes. I think I could make variations of work on this one memory for many years to come.

Light Across the Bay   acrylic on paper 25x25cm   ©2011 LisaLeQuelenec

Above an older painting from 2011, long since sold but one of my favourites.

Old Harry Rocks  snippets and ideas in mixed media   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I wonder do you have a memory or lasting impression of a time and place that you revisit in your work again and again?

The Coast is Clear!   A/P II etching 14.5x11.5cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

Across the Bay - a coastal etching

Across the Bay   etching 6x6cm   ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I thought I would take a break from a canvas that I am working on to print a few more etchings from some plates that I had made a while back. I inked up the plate and began to wipe thinking of the current theme of a strong shaft of light that breaks up the line of the horizon. I think with a little more work the theme will extend well into printmaking. Being able to work across media and develop an idea or technique is something I am eager to explore. This is another varied edition, each print different in the inking.


This print is available on Etsy at Seaside Studios UK.

100 Ammonites Project - an introduction to the online exhibition

Ammonite no.1 and no.100   etching and etching and mixed media 6x8cm   ©2016Lisa Le Quelenec

This project started on a print making course at Arts University Bournemouth tutored by Jan Bullas where I made a tiny etching plate of an ammonite. I hadn’t done any etching since my foundation course in Art & Design at Falmouth College of Arts many, many years before but had been hankering for a long time to return to experimenting with printmaking. During the course, I tried different printmaking methods including monoprints, lino cuts, collagraphs, drypoint and etching. It was etching and drypoint that really got me hooked.


From March to November 2016 I experimented printing an edition of 100 prints from this small plate. As time went by I could see more and more possibilities to explore. I did set myself a few rules and boundaries to work within;

• All prints have been made on the same size paper 6x8inch Snowdon printing paper 140lb

• All prints have been made using water-soluble printing ink

• When using mixed media and chine collé I allowed myself to work outside of the confines of the plate and into the paper borders.

Prints No.1 to 50 are straight etching prints, what you see is the result of the ink being passed through the press with no further additions made. After the first 50 I started to use chine collé and from print No. 63 both chine collé and/or mixed media was used for further experiment in variation.

Ammonite no.32 with the zinc etching plate on the right   ©2016Lisa Le Quelenec

Whilst 100 variations did at first feel like a huge undertaking I was soon caught up in the excitement of the project and felt the pressure of time running out by the time that I was getting to the last 30 or so.

Ammonite   photograph   ©2016Lisa Le Quelenec

As I worked I was thinking about the parallels of fossil hunting, choosing a rock, splitting it open to reveal the fossil, not knowing for sure what would be revealed - the excitement and anticipation at finding a perfect specimen. All similarities with each stage of making a print. Experience makes the result more predictable but there will always be an element of surprise when the paper is pulled back to reveal the image. I think this is why I have fallen in love with printmaking and there will be much more in my future.

To view the exhibition click on the tab at the top or click on the link

100 Ammonites Exhibition 

I hope that you enjoy visiting the 'exhibition' and looking at how the image evolved.

The prints are available at seasidestudiosuk on Etsy.

Cards, notebooks and accessories of selected prints are available at Redbubble here.

A catalogue for the exhibition of all 100 prints is available from blurb here;

 100 ammonites Etching and mixed media in a variable edition

 

100 ammonites virtual exhibition - a sneaky peek!

Exhibition opens 6th April 2017....

100 ammonites project a sneaky peek ©2017LisaLeQuelenec

I hope you will join me here next week.

Save the date!

A virtual exhibition of etchings by Lisa Le Quelenec