Big monotype number two

Today I tried another larger scale monotype. I wouldn't usually be able to spend so much time in the studio but the Christmas and new year holiday means that my partner is at home and can watch our little girl.

I really enjoyed doing this one - usually I have quite a few false starts but this one came out pretty smoothly. I have conflicting feelings about the subject of the print. It's the same when watching wildlife documentaries, I automatically want to deer to get away, but then the wolf would die of hunger. I don't want to look because it's sad and brutal, but I can't tear my eyes away. I've tried to show the elegant and beautiful aspect of it in this print and, as always, my main goal was to create movement and energy.

'Endgame' 45 x 60cm

With the plate after printing.

Something that has surprised me it that I really like the effect that the hand rubbing has made. There are variations and marks that make it seem more personal than you'd get from the uniform pressure of the press (I still much prefer using the press for relief printing though).