Studio journal

From first mark to pulled proof

Paint before paper before press — choose marks, layers, and materials in an order that matches how you work.

Ultramarine holds the drawing; vermilion marks the focal stroke; ochre and rag paper soften the transitions between passes.

Creative focus

Start with line weight and stroke — test graphite, charcoal, and ink on scrap before you commit to a sheet.

Build color and ink passes in order — transparent glazes before opaque body, drying between passes.

Match paper tooth and ink tack — dry runs on offcuts show whether paint or ink will bite the way you expect.

Ink the block, register the paper, and pull relief or intaglio proofs with brayers, barens, and sized rag.

Color study days start in paint; edition days route through printmaking and paper; line days live in drawing.