Sunday 24 August 2008

Stamps and paintings

This is another canvas collage I've just completed. I cut the flowers from two different pieces of my decorated papers. There's lots of layers built up on the canvas first. I never know what the finished piece will end up like. I just keep building the layers to see where it takes me. I think it's finished now, maybe.



I'm making an altered book to see how that goes in the exhibition. It's funny when I make one for myself it just happens, but when it's for someone else it never flows easily, maybe it's trying to create for someone else.



These are some Indian wooden blocks I bought just recently. The are very difficult to use with stamp pads. This is where the 'blue blocks' come in handy. I heated one up and used the blocks on both sides. One block gives you two stamps.
I used paint to stamp with this block.








I used stamp pads with the blue blocks.



This is the results of the painted wood block and the two below are the results of the reversed images on the blue blocks, used with a stamp pad.


33 comments:

Unknown said...

amazing!!!

Sharon Tomlinson said...

Your canvas collage is beautiful. And you are so clever to make the foam block stamps with the wood blocks. You clever....not a new thing.

Judy Wise said...

Brilliant idea! I know what I'm going to be doing this morning. xo

sharon young said...

Hi Ro,
You're right about the Indian blocks, they are difficult to print from, but I quite like the distressed look you get from them.
I love all the layers on the canvas, especially the B&W design.
Your altered book looks great, no worries there :-), But I think there's a big tendency to freeze when you work on something for someone else. It's like when you cook a special meal, it never seems to be as good as the ones you slap together from what you've got left in the cupboard.
Thanks for your comment on the FOQ post, it was a great show.

Julie said...

I love the canvas collage too - lovely colours. I shall try the tip with the foam on the indian stamps as I have problems with them too.

Elizabeth said...

Ro!
Where do you get these Blue Blocks???
Hugs!
Elizabeth

Anonymous said...

Ro
I have one of those wooden blocks and I was wondering how I could use it...what a great idea.
Love your canvas as well.

Lisa Crofts

jo horswill said...

Ro,these images are thrilling.
Yes those beautiful Indian wood blocks would be difficult to use with stamp pads...loads of paint or ink? Mine are for decoration only! But look what you did!!!
Love your vibrant work, it must reflect a vibrant spirit.

notmassproduced said...

lovely vibrant colours - where do you get the blue blocks from are they specially for this?

Steph said...

These pictures are real eye candies !

ArtPropelled said...

When I work on a commission it's like I have the hiccups. Nothing flows easily.

Your work uplifts me with the wonderful combination of colours. You are a true colourist, Ro.

Maria Catalina Wiley said...

I love your canvas collages, Ro! Love the colours & prints. The printing blocks are fabulous too!

Gaby Bee said...

Your canvas collage is spectacular!
So rich and lovely that it really does make you want to reach out and touch it! Fabulous in every way.

Sam Marshall said...

Wow, Ro, the colour combinations are fabulous and the effects of the Indian woodblocks are so beautiful.
XXX

Cory said...

I love the work...and don't you just love the "blue block" stamps?
I have blocks in many colors and shapes, love them.

Cory

Karen Cole said...

I love how there is always so much continuity in every post. Your paintings, books, printmaking, stamps....everything. Your work is so full of textural and colorful life. Beautiful, Ro.

FARBTUPFER said...

Great results!
Regards
Waltraud

Gillian Mowbray said...

You have an amazing way with colour and these Indian inspired pieces are stunning. What a great idea to use the blocks. x

Heather, paperfollies.typepad.com said...

love the black/white check strips in the first piece...they really pull it all together!

kate said...

Stunning as usual! Are the 'blue blocks' made from insulation foam? This is what I use to create pattern and moulds for my cast paper.

rivergardenstudio said...

Your woodblocks are wonderful, and I love them as stamps on your pages. Also love your collages! Roxanne

Jackie said...

What a lovely idea and result.

mcdc3s said...

Oh these came out amazing. I have "heard" of the blue blocks... but not sure what they are called or where to get them. They are perfect for this sort of thing it seems. Love that design. And the collage... with the autumn colors... ahhhh. This is my favorite time of year, and the colors too. Love the circles in the circles in your altered book.

Anonymous said...

you really are amazing, so colorful and alive. i love your work that you are sharing here, very inspiring, i want to run to my studio right now and play, play, play!
as always, it was so nice to hear from you. i hope spring comes for you soon, what a magical time of year if must be there... oh, i wish i could see it, but love knowing what fall smell & looks like there...i am looking forward to fall coming here, and it feel so strange (in the best of ways) knowing that last time i was in fall was there.
xo

Ann Christine Dennison said...

What a great idea, I too have an Indian printing block that I have never been able to use with success. These results are amazing! Thanks for the tip. I love the picture with the flowers!

artbeth67 said...

All of it is GORGEOUS!!! :)

Cyber Fyber said...

Hi!
Today I'm making the labels for the ATCs in the CYBER FYBER exhibition. It is giving me an opportunity to peek in on some blogs and I'm so glad I looked at yours. I love how you are using the Indian printing blocks and your jewelry. Thanks for the inspiration and also for trading with me at CYBER FYBER!
Susan

Joy Logan said...

LOVE B&W check it just made your piece,LOVE it!!!

Joy Logan said...

LOVE B&W check it just made your piece,LOVE it!!!

beth said...

I just found your blog....and LOVE IT so much !!!

can you tell me where to get the "blue blocks" as I also have the wooden blocks that just don't work as well as I'd like them to...splotchy design at best....and I love the blue block idea !!!!

Aussie Jo said...

Great idea with the wood blocks, where do you get your blue blocks, and how do you heat them??
I might head up the highway (from the Bellarine Peninsula)to the exhibit next week, my aunt lives in Mulgrave and is away in Perth for a couple of weeks and offered me her house, so I might stay for the night.I think that's reasonably close???

Lost Aussie said...

Great idea to use the blue blocks to mirror the wood stamps!
Love the canvas collage.

Beanie Mouse said...

Have you tried that printing ink that goes with Lino printing? I find that works really well on woodblocks....