Storm at sea - prints using dry point and collagraph in combination

                                                     
                                                                                                          

Storm at Sea 2/5  combination print 14x14cm   ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

These three prints are part of an experiment to combine two techniques. Using a perspex plate I used the drypoint needle to scratch the sea and the pebbles on the beach. In the sky area I used an acrylic fibers medium to create the stormy clouds. I didn't notice at first as each time I was also trying out a different style of inking up the plate but each time that I inked up for another print a little of the acrylic medium was detaching from the plate and the sky area was slowly disintegrating. In a way each of these is a monoprint as the plate was different for each impression. I really like the idea of the plate changing during the process like the clouds changing during the storm and the storm gradually dissipating - serendipitous printmaking.

Storm at Sea 3/5  combination print 14x14cm   ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Storm at Sea 4/5  combination print 14x14cm   ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Gulls and waves

Solo   dry point  8x7.5cm   ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Another small drypoint made on a perspex plate. As an experiment I started to draw into one of the prints. I think the vignette idea is still trying to work its way out of my head because I felt like the sea needed to break the confines of the plate.

Into the Wind   10x10cm drypoint and mixed media   ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Both versions are available at my Etsy shop Seasidestudiosuk.

Lucky me!

Acorns sketchbook page ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Look at the lovely gift my boys brought me back from a trip out to the park. The photograph doesn't do the gorgeous soft lime green of the acorns justice. I couldn't wait to get my sketchbook out to explore the shapes. It seems Prince Twinkle Toes has a good eye for treasure.

Acorns   watercolour sketch approx 10x14cm ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Sketches from the Isle of Wight

I've just got back from a few days away on the lovely Isle of Wight. I have gathered new material in the form of sketches, added to my collection of seaglass, seaweed and pebbles, walked on different beaches, taken in new views and eaten some fabulous pistachio ice-cream...(it really was worth writing about ;o) ). It was a lovely break.

Seaweed sketchbook page with seaweed and identification chart illustrated by Carol Roberts  ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Butterfly sketch watersoluble ink and coloured pencil ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

I even went on a couple of touristy trips. One of them was to a beautiful place called Butterfly World which inspired a couple of sketches and some thoughts for a new set of work - a break from my usual. The ideas are percolating and like steam from a hot coffee don't have a solid form just yet, they need a little time.

Butterfly sketch and pebble watersoluble ink and coloured pencil ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Now, lucky girl that I am I need to get ready for a trip to the lovely Shell Bay on Studland which I believe many, many, many years ago was connected to the Isle of Wight and time and tide have erroded the chalk to create Poole Harbour/Bay. The holiday hasn't ended just yet.

Summer evening

Summer Evening   acrylic on paper 14x14cm   ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Sometimes the sea here is so still, quiet and calm it is unrecogniseable as the same body of water that menaces the coast during the October storms. As the days of summer are coming to an end and a coolness begins to stir in the evenings I look forward to the storms but for now it is good to reflect on the quieter times.

Spots! A feather drypoint

Spots!   drypoint with watercolour   plate size 3.5x7.5cm   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

I rather enjoyed working on a mini plate even though it was hard on the eyes and hands. The plate was printed onto HOT PRESS watercolour paper and then I have mounted each print onto a piece of handmade paper (approx 11x15cm) for a contrast in texture. I'm not sure which way around I prefer the image to go, I think it works both ways.

Available individually at my Etsy shop Seasidestudiosuk

Full moon and birch tree drypoints

Silver birch moon   30x40cm acrylic on canvas ©2012 Lisa Le Quelenec

The above painting is an old favorite of mine, I really do like this theme and often revisit it. So I thought I would use it as a starting point for a small drypoint using a metal plate instead of acrylic. I have also been enjoying working in a circular format so set myself the challenge of combining the two elements.

Moonrise metal plate 7cm diameter  ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

 A set of five prints is the result. Each one a variation in colour and tone. I am doing these as an open edition as I might do another few impressions. I don't think there will be many more than this as each time the plate runs through the press the burr gets more worn and the prints will be less clear.

All are for sale at my Etsy shop seasidestudiosuk.

Moonrise   open edition drypoint  7cm diameter on 15x21cm paper   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Moonrise I   open edition drypoint  7cm diameter on 15x21cm paper   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Moonrise II   open edition drypoint  7cm diameter on 15x21cm paper   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Moonrise III   open edition drypoint  7cm diameter on 15x21cm paper   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Moonrise IV   open edition drypoint  7cm diameter on 15x21cm paper   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Moonrise V   open edition drypoint  7cm diameter on 15x21cm paper   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

Summer sailing

Summer sailing, turquoise seas and a gentle breeze....... Who could ask for more? (A far cry from the torrential rain we have in the UK at the moment but a girl can dream.)

Summer sailing I   watercolour 17x17cm  ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

Summer sailing II   watercolour 17x17cm  ©2015Lisa Le Quelenec

These paintings are available in my Etsy store SeasidestudiosUK 

I have also listed the first five in the edition and a proof print of my Nautilus drypoint.

Choosing a palette

Caran d'Ache Pablo permanent colour pencils  ©2115Lisa Le Quelenec

As well as recently ordering paint, paper and etching inks I also added a little treat, Some new (to me) pencils made by Caran d'Ache in their Pablo range. Aren't the colours gorgeous? I like using coloured pencils to sketch with and do thumbnails for paintings and these colours are very much the palette that I am working in at the moment. I use all sorts of types and look for the colour rather than the brand when selecting pencils. I prefer something softer with a good coverage of pigment generally and I'm rather taken with these. The smell of new pencils is something of an addiction too ;o)

Caran d'Ache Pablo permanent colour pencils  ©2115Lisa Le Quelenec

Chambered nautilus - variations

Nautilus   prints 1 - 4 of 10   drypoint 15.5x20.5cm   ©2015LisaLeQuelenec

They took a little while to dry but here they are... the first four prints of an edition of ten of my chambered nautilus dry point. There are variations in the colouring and tones as I am continuing to experiment with the inking process.