Sylvia Pixley - "Cat, Porch Steps #2" Woodcut and Watercolor

"Cat, Porch Steps #2"
Woodcut and Watercolor.
Image Size: 3" W x 3" H.
Framed Size: 8" W x 8" H.


Sylvia Pixley - Toledo Artist

The Process of Wood Engraving

I begin with sketches, photographs, and research materials to develop a working design. This design is transferred, in reverse to a very smooth end grain block of maple wood. I begin carving out the white areas with different sizes of wood engraving tools, called burins. They produce very narrow to very wide white lines. I have finished carving a block in a week, but it usually takes me three weeks for an average block. I complete 10-18 blocks a year. To print a proof (a sample), a brayer (roller) is used to spread a thin layer of oil-based printing ink on the surface of the block, coating the uncarved,...

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