Studio Visit #8: Collagraphs Re-Done

Collagraphy is a printmaking technique that involves creating a collaged plate from various materials and then using it to make prints.

Here is the basic how-to:

1. Gather materials: Start by collecting materials for your collagraph plate. You can use a variety of items such as cardboard, textured papers, fabric scraps, string, leaves, or any other materials that have interesting textures or patterns.

2. Choose a base: Select a sturdy base material for your collagraph plate. A thick piece of cardboard or mat board works well. Make sure it is large enough to accommodate the size of print you want to create.

3. Plan your design: Visualize or sketch out your design on the base material. Think about the composition and the textures you want to incorporate into your plate. Consider how the materials will interact with ink or paint during the printing process.

4. Prepare the materials: Cut or tear the materials you have gathered into desired shapes and sizes. Experiment with different textures and patterns. You can also apply glue to adhere the materials to the base, or use a clear varnish or medium to seal them onto the plate.

5. Build the plate: Arrange and layer the materials on the base according to your design plan. Create different levels and textures by overlapping or stacking materials. Secure them in place using glue or varnish, making sure everything is firmly attached.

6. Seal the plate: Once the materials are arranged on the plate, apply a thin layer of clear varnish or acrylic medium over the entire surface. This helps seal the materials and provides a smooth, even surface for ink application.

7. Allow drying time: Let the collagraph plate dry completely. This can take several hours or overnight, depending on the type of adhesive or medium you used. Make sure it is thoroughly dry before moving on to the next step.

8. Ink the plate: Apply printing ink or acrylic paint to the collagraph plate. Use a roller or brayer to spread the ink evenly over the raised surfaces and textures. Make sure the ink covers the entire plate but wipe off any excess from the flat areas.

9. Wipe off excess ink: Take a clean, soft cloth or tarlatan and gently wipe the plate's surface to remove excess ink. This will leave ink only in the recessed areas and textures, creating the desired image.

10. Print the image: Place a sheet of dampened printmaking paper or other suitable paper on top of the inked collagraph plate. Apply even pressure by running it through a printing press or using a wooden spoon to transfer the ink from the plate to the paper.

11. Lift the print: Carefully peel the paper off the plate to reveal your collagraph print. Allow it to dry completely.

12. Repeat and experiment: You can create multiple prints from the same plate by re-inking and printing again. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different color combinations, inking techniques, or altering the plate's texture to create unique variations.

Back in April, during the Member Livestream, I made some collagraphs that didn't turn out that well.  So, I fixed them. Watch the video for more:

And here's a peek at some of the finished pieces.  You can find them in my online shop.  They're matted and ready to pop into a standard 11x14 frame.  Free shipping in the USA.  $10 everywhere else in the world.

I love how the original collagraph peeks through the additional printing, painting, and collage layers.

I had a lot of fun using color to highlight certain areas of the original print.















I've spent a lot of time this last year working on value (light and dark) and I can really see it in these pieces.

This one has so many yummy details:











I've been doing a lot of this printmaking-plus-more artwork lately and I think it might be a sweet spot for me.  It allows me to combine so many of the things I love doing into a single piece of artwork.

Thanks for stopping by!