"Behind the Mask" new print

"Behind the mask"
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I am very excited that I managed to get out the ink and print a few new pieces.
I am discovering that I don't have enough colours and really need to do some online shopping for supplies. The art stores around me don't think that block printing is popular.

I also cut paper today to get it ready for printing. This is the least liked activity for me, I measure once and cut 5 times. ;(
There are a few 8x10inch pieces now and I can't wait to print a few big pieces.

Algonquin

"Algonquin" block WIP
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I was bad this week and instead of studying I worked on art.
I sketched this block and just had to start carving it. It is larger than 8x10 inches and so far I have done some partial prints that you can see here
"Patience"
"Changes"

The inspiration behind is my trip to Algonquin at the end of August. Beautiful trees.
Last weekend I did buy some new papers that I have to cut up and play with. The hardest part of printmaking for me is cutting the paper. I am not a straight even lines kind of kid and I manage to get all kinds of funky pieces. But it has to be done.
This weekend the plan is to actually sleep and study and work on more art. I really would love to have a few 'portfolio' pieces both prints and paintings. I have to start contacting galleries. I really really have to.

Printing...

Printing station
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have been really busy with work, packing up my parents' house over the Thanksgiving weekend and studying.
I managed to get some printing done this morning! and now I really really should be studying since my exam is next Saturday.

I am happy to say that I have booked my ticket to Florida! yey! I will be there for all of 4 days, but hey a vacation is a vacation even if it is very short.
Paul is going to Europe for a month, this leaves me all by myself. I wonder what kind of trouble I can get into...

What's new in the 'print' shop

New prints in the works
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have been busy today, how about you?
I gave myself till noon to print today.
I tried to carve a new what turns out to be Ginkgo leaves woodblock, but after killing all of the little leaf tails I decided to carve it out of Linoleum. You can see my little cutie of a print now called 'In the Wind in the photo and of course already listed.

I also had a great sale! Another Self Image print sold today, yey I am at 3/50.

I bought Paul a new winter jacked that he loves, it is his Christmas/ 5 year anniversary present. But to think about it, I don't think he will be without a present under the tree.
We also went grocery shopping. He is now doing laundry at his parents' house while I am studying.
I will head over there for dinner soon. But for the next two hours it will be study time.
I hope everyone has a wonderful week!
I almost feel like saying " see you next weekened" since I hardly get to post during the week.

Yey!

Magical Abstract tree print
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I woke up this morning to find that all four block prints I had in my shop were purchased by one person, including this one. How wonderful is that!
It was a great sale and I turned around and bought 100 stiff 8x10 envelopes for prints. This way I can be sure that all prints arrive undamaged all around the world.
Today I spent catching up on my course and I am still very behind. I don't know how this sounded like such a good idea a month ago to enroll in this program. The fact that I my brain is fried after work does not help in the least bit.
Right now I am done for tonight and am cutting up paper for more prints. Yey!

"Dark Balloons"

Dark Balloons ACEO
Originally uploaded by iva_o.

I have to admit I am a little crazy about woodblock printing. I have had a few failures and made stupid mistakes, like cut an awesome print to ATC size but instead of 2.5 inches I cut it to 2 and it no longer is useable. I am sure I will find a good use for all the cool scaps I am collecting.
Carving is really hard right now because I don't have the right wood and the proper tools, but one day soon.... I have to sell a few prints before I could affort to buy more materials. I guess this is a good time to point out that this ACEO is very available and in my Etsy Shop! ;p
The prints are hard to photograph, which makes me really miss my scanner. Another thing I am saving for, a new all in one printer.
2 More days till the weekend Yey YEY!
...now back to watching my lecture on Managerial Accounting.