A look at my engraving process

At times I am asked to describe my process, so here are a few images and notes I hope will show you the steps that my wood engravings go through. In another journal entry I will show you the tools that I use to engrave the blocks.

1- The sketch - I make numerous sketches, the first few are rough while I look for gesture and composition. When I get the drawing to a state that feels ready I transfer the drawing to the block.

2 - This engraving was to be a two colour cover for the Wood Engravers Network calendar. This is final rough and how I decided the second colour would surround the key block

3 - Images transfered to block.

3 - 4 Drawing on the block. I am careful not to over do the drawing on the block. I just need the overall outline and enough details in the face, hands, and other charactors and objects in the image.

5 - Here you can see the area around the top of the figure where I have started to clear away the background. Clearing out like this is a kind of warm up

6 - The main image is cleared free and I have started on the face and hands of the Hurdy Gurdy player. I like to get on with the “hard parts” early in the process in case something doesn’t work out. Then I can start over without having lost to many hours or even days.

7 - More working on the main characters

8 - Here the block is completed and ready to be proofed. Proofing can take many trips back and forth from the engraving table and the press until it is finally completed.

9 - The final proof with some ruling set in to help with registration.

10 - The second colour block set in registar.

11 - The type set and arranged in place.

12 - Finally the printing is happening. These are proofs set out to dry. The printing is done in sequencel, black first, then the second colour is registered and the type is printed last.

13 - This is the final version. I changed to the yellow ink for the second colour and added a bit of blue to the key block to jazz up the colour reaction.

The Wood Engravers’ Network is an active promoter of wood engraving in North America. I am proud to be a member. Check out their website

www.woodengravers.org