Lino-cutting - continued explorations

Following on from my last post, these are some more lino-prints I have been working on. 

I am still experimenting with cutting techniques and skills, testing how fine I can go, whether my ideas "read" correctly, what happens when I overlap colours, etc. I started out working small, printing onto A5 paper, and am gradually moving up in size. 

I'm attempting to capture some of the sense of colour, light, movement and detail as experienced when under water.

Lino block and print by Toni Hartill

Linocut series by Toni Hartill

Lino block in progress by Toni Hartill

Lino-cut edition by Toni Hartill

Linocut Warm-up

The "black" layer ready to test print.

As I'm embarking on some new work I fancied giving lino a whirl. This wee plate, of seaweed clinging to its rock, was cut as an experimental "play" to test blades, papers, inks, etc. I just used an ancient "Speedball" tool (although with new blades) - it worked fine, although it's a bit of a drag having to constantly change the blades in the handle.

My "book press"

I printed them using my bespoke book press, designed and made by my resident technician, aka my hubby. 

An edition of prints "whipped" up in an afternoon.
Linocut prints by Toni Hartill

The final print is made up using 2 plates with the background colour inked up as a colour blend and rolled on diagonally. 

Fun wee warm-up project to get the ideas flowing!

Right, what's next?