http://www.artfall.co.uk/index.htmlNews of my exhibitions and other activitieseninfo@artfall.co.ukCopyright 2007-2008 Phil Wilkinson2010-03-09T14:12:29+00:00 hourly 1 2000-01-01T12:00+00:00 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 14:25:26 +0000info@artfall.co.ukNone2010-03-09T14:12:29+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a2cdcfe85f1f231323ef141f808593ce-115.php#unique-entry-id-115http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a2cdcfe85f1f231323ef141f808593ce-115.php#unique-entry-id-115This is the drawing for a second large etching and aquatint print of part of Birmingham University’s Edgbaston campus showing the Great Hall.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2010-03-07T18:35:20+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/05c1c14f3f3dfe0c75ae7c922cc6089a-114.php#unique-entry-id-114http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/05c1c14f3f3dfe0c75ae7c922cc6089a-114.php#unique-entry-id-114


Created In Birmingham have recently opened a shop in The Bullring shopping centre, Birmingham selling a variety of work made by local artists.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2010-02-21T15:00:03+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/e8ce3590cf2c50a9164bde42cb224293-113.php#unique-entry-id-113http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/e8ce3590cf2c50a9164bde42cb224293-113.php#unique-entry-id-113A few images of work in progress in the further exploration of colour and layers in this image








]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2010-02-09T16:52:50+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/1a82d4789c08cc27b58685b139a10667-112.php#unique-entry-id-112http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/1a82d4789c08cc27b58685b139a10667-112.php#unique-entry-id-112

These are images of early stage trials with a silkscreen design on an aeronautical theme.
There are challenges to resolve with colourway combinations and sequences and incorporating the plane into the wider design along with registration.








]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2010-01-04T19:15:44+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/cb5b470ed26ed66aab914f62b7cf2cd2-111.php#unique-entry-id-111http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/cb5b470ed26ed66aab914f62b7cf2cd2-111.php#unique-entry-id-111Another in the Custard Factory (Birmingham) series of studies



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-12-27T16:33:40+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4b6d9fc1dbd4cda9ac4d7d3a99381274-110.php#unique-entry-id-110http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4b6d9fc1dbd4cda9ac4d7d3a99381274-110.php#unique-entry-id-110Images of a recent completed aquatint (60x50cm) featuring the progressive programme of new building in the Snowhill area of Birmingham.
Best wishes for 2010.




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-11-20T18:02:42+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4aebc787433b25a951ecd825ccf0988b-109.php#unique-entry-id-109http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4aebc787433b25a951ecd825ccf0988b-109.php#unique-entry-id-109Shown below are images of the completed print (60x50cm) and close up details








]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-11-14T11:26:10+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/ebbfad9be9a49671577756caa5df1006-108.php#unique-entry-id-108http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/ebbfad9be9a49671577756caa5df1006-108.php#unique-entry-id-108Working on another view of the Custard Factory, Birmingham. Shown below is the original drawing for the plate and an image of the plate in the process of creation



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-11-14T11:18:39+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6adf3c5ffd211fbfbe19ce8af462c9dd-107.php#unique-entry-id-107http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6adf3c5ffd211fbfbe19ce8af462c9dd-107.php#unique-entry-id-107This is another etching and aquatint inspired by the nearby Custard Factory in Birmingham and the the plate size is 60x35cm
Shown below is the complete image and a close up detail




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-10-30T08:35:57+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/ce18fffe949cd8d43697b8160a27b0c4-106.php#unique-entry-id-106http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/ce18fffe949cd8d43697b8160a27b0c4-106.php#unique-entry-id-106An image of the RWA and my CWW2 print from earlier in the week when l attended the varnishing day



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-10-27T17:13:35+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/33d9b59d86cf4b64c006bb69398ea793-105.php#unique-entry-id-105http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/33d9b59d86cf4b64c006bb69398ea793-105.php#unique-entry-id-105

l am pleased that one of my prints is included in the forthcoming Royal West of England Academy’s Autumn Exhibition which opens this week.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-10-07T14:25:47+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/765dcca395fb1964aea2fa2dd82f0148-104.php#unique-entry-id-104http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/765dcca395fb1964aea2fa2dd82f0148-104.php#unique-entry-id-104This time a vinyl relief print inspired by the English Electric Lightning (for more info try this link)
Here are some images of a full size proof and some close up details





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-10-13T18:59:00+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2c555fb6450be855a223c95f5504776c-103.php#unique-entry-id-103http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2c555fb6450be855a223c95f5504776c-103.php#unique-entry-id-103
The completed aquatint print of the ‘Lewes Arms’ pub with a close up of detail





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-09-27T17:13:24+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/255e281b7a523171618f2d1e4852f320-102.php#unique-entry-id-102http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/255e281b7a523171618f2d1e4852f320-102.php#unique-entry-id-102This is a second depiction of part of the Custard Factory site which lies on the other side of the Floodgate St location of Birmingham Printmakers. The Custard Factory was a former Birds Custard manufacturer and the chimney and most of the buildings have been retained from this former use.



A recent stay in Lewes and visit to the Lewes Arms has inspired an attempt at an aquatint of this curvy building with the starting point of a drawing below
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-09-21T08:34:54+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6a2fa0e0b023759ed1d1fd67fabcad65-101.php#unique-entry-id-101http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6a2fa0e0b023759ed1d1fd67fabcad65-101.php#unique-entry-id-101The Society of Graphic Fine Art holds it’s 88th Annual Open Exhibition opening on 5th October and is well worth visiting if you can get down to London.



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-08-20T01:21:46+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/f4361f4dd14d4a4a9e629bcb69776c25-100.php#unique-entry-id-100http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/f4361f4dd14d4a4a9e629bcb69776c25-100.php#unique-entry-id-100On a recent visit to Brighton l had time to sketch a little of the remains of the West Pier which was sadly destroyed by fire to leave a few fragments which will also be erased to make way for the building of an observation tower. Better to have left the remnants of the pier to decay over time and with nature, leaving a captivating arena like to be enjoyed and maybe responded to by visiting artists as it seems to resemble the site of an art installation.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-08-05T15:59:19+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/df594382eb2a3c06e964b5ddd7ff94f1-99.php#unique-entry-id-99http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/df594382eb2a3c06e964b5ddd7ff94f1-99.php#unique-entry-id-99Inspired by the graceful lines and crescent wings of the Victor Cold War era bomber, l have created a new vinylcut image.
State and final proofs and detail close up:






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-08-04T11:38:01+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3bf94add341eb0e172bb65f73cda675d-98.php#unique-entry-id-98http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3bf94add341eb0e172bb65f73cda675d-98.php#unique-entry-id-98This print (see entry of 27/04/09) has been accepted ‘but not hung’ at the 7th RWA Open Print show]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-07-16T00:51:40+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/025365576dcd1e596243394648169e05-97.php#unique-entry-id-97http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/025365576dcd1e596243394648169e05-97.php#unique-entry-id-97With the disappointment of a plate that ony yielded a handful of acceptable prints, l repeated the design once more and hopefully more robustly etched!
Images showing the plate being stopped out, the completed plate, the full print and a close up detail.








]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-07-16T00:39:17+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d8eebb0cc751db7e713b6c575d16b8b8-96.php#unique-entry-id-96http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d8eebb0cc751db7e713b6c575d16b8b8-96.php#unique-entry-id-96Recently, l was involved in a workshop as part of the Arts All Over The Place festival and had the luck to asist in the making of a collage/print/mixed media depiction of the Birmingham skyline with the following result:
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-07-12T19:09:19+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/cde31efd1c54a8f547bb1f9991ce7a06-95.php#unique-entry-id-95http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/cde31efd1c54a8f547bb1f9991ce7a06-95.php#unique-entry-id-95Inspired by the extensive buildings of the Custard Factory which borders one side of the Birmingham Printmakers workshop, l had a go at a scene depicting the rennovation work on part of the site. This view is from the Floodgate Street side.
Along with a completed view of the print are a couple of close ups.











]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-07-04T02:21:28+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/46e337e576d91f2afc212eaf393d79ac-94.php#unique-entry-id-94http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/46e337e576d91f2afc212eaf393d79ac-94.php#unique-entry-id-94opening with reception & refreshments weekend of July11/12th

http://www.numberninethegallery.com/index_numbernine.php?tour=200907artcircle]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-06-13T15:53:43+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d6d4085fdcf4ff82d1168e1d5dd3ccaf-93.php#unique-entry-id-93http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d6d4085fdcf4ff82d1168e1d5dd3ccaf-93.php#unique-entry-id-93A few more attempts at varying colourways in this design





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-05-24T17:01:04+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5be1a40237ec6fbf02e12b274a1aad89-92.php#unique-entry-id-92http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5be1a40237ec6fbf02e12b274a1aad89-92.php#unique-entry-id-92A few images from a relief design begun back in February (07/02 posting) and which l’m printing up in traditional oil based ink having found water washable somewhat lack lustre and inefficient for crisp clean marks that my design needs.

An image of a print mid way through



and completed



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-05-24T16:50:52+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3ed0b4d6b4e9c2d078cef7acac311d47-91.php#unique-entry-id-91http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3ed0b4d6b4e9c2d078cef7acac311d47-91.php#unique-entry-id-91Twelve members of Birmingham Printmakers put a dispay of varied print methods which runs till July 3.
It can be found in the Staff House building of Birmingham University (see posting of 0905 for map) which is open weekdays 8 till late.






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-05-09T11:57:07+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/66cc38414386042d74480c9e5bfe9bee-90.php#unique-entry-id-90http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/66cc38414386042d74480c9e5bfe9bee-90.php#unique-entry-id-90In preparation for a show of work from Birmingham Printmakers being staged at Birmingham University’s Staff House (May 18 - July 3), l attempted an image taking in some of the eye catching roof line made of the Clock Tower, Great Hall and the complex that makes up the Chancellor’s Court http://www.about.bham.ac.uk/maps/pdfs/edgbaston-map-red-09.pdf

Below are images of the drawing, plate and final print that resulted




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-04-27T12:24:12+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b388a741ff563c30d714a81afcf96193-89.php#unique-entry-id-89http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b388a741ff563c30d714a81afcf96193-89.php#unique-entry-id-89This plate (60x35cm) has been completed and l have begun to pull prints and the two images show the complete image and a detail. This plate has been worked to produce a coarse texture in order to try to yield a reasonable sizeed edition if needed and l also use a plate tone for the surrounding space of sky.


]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-04-11T15:08:08+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8ad6cd0a44bf096cb382508cd6d8c04d-88.php#unique-entry-id-88http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8ad6cd0a44bf096cb382508cd6d8c04d-88.php#unique-entry-id-88Further images generated from the building works in the Snowhill area of Birmingham. A preparatory drawing for the etching and a picture of the plate progressing through the etching process.


]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-04-06T10:10:44+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d14df4bd8293ab0adc2303f2a59959b5-87.php#unique-entry-id-87http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d14df4bd8293ab0adc2303f2a59959b5-87.php#unique-entry-id-87Continuing subject matter from building work around Snowhill station.
images of the original drawing and an early proof from the plate






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-04-06T09:59:39+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8eec7b74fa8ef3536f4e3574c6225263-86.php#unique-entry-id-86http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8eec7b74fa8ef3536f4e3574c6225263-86.php#unique-entry-id-86l have recently finished this etching and aquatint. unfortunately due to the intricate design on relatively soft aluminium, l have only been able to pull a small number of prints from this plate before details and tones became softened and lost definition.
Below is an image of an early stage and the finished print and a close up detail as well as the actual plate






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-03-22T14:19:00+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d8b147d3c3399e3791d18322958aaf32-85.php#unique-entry-id-85http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d8b147d3c3399e3791d18322958aaf32-85.php#unique-entry-id-85Another variation on this subject - more examples in the portfolio section.



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-03-05T15:51:17+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/023cb7bf6bba970fea18d72c6c71246a-84.php#unique-entry-id-84http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/023cb7bf6bba970fea18d72c6c71246a-84.php#unique-entry-id-84Birmingham Printmakers have teamed up with John Howard to present an exhibition ‘Birmingham in Print:then & now’ which opens on March 20th at The Bond till April 24th. Private view on March 20th (please phone The Bond before setting out as the exhibition takes place in conference facilities which may be in use at anytime)





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-03-03T00:01:10+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/abb03ad0346a57a1341c8981c0dc44e4-83.php#unique-entry-id-83http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/abb03ad0346a57a1341c8981c0dc44e4-83.php#unique-entry-id-83Taking the same subject matter of the new building in the vicinity of Snowhill Station as l had attempted in an earlier acquatint, l attempted to tackle it in a vinylcut relief print and in varying colour ranges. Comments on strengths/weaknesses are welcome.





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-03-02T23:48:01+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/9c42d5f06c9b9588f8dc773499d616c8-82.php#unique-entry-id-82http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/9c42d5f06c9b9588f8dc773499d616c8-82.php#unique-entry-id-82l only met Reg Moon briefly toward the end of his life when l was invited to take some work along to show to he and his daughter Carey for possible inclusion in the winter show at The Gallery Upstairs, Henley. They were both friendly and generous in their time and feedback. l would like to include the link to the words that Carey wrote about her father and which were printed in The Guardian ]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-03-02T23:40:36+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3cd50801449608af1dbfc8c7aac7e41c-81.php#unique-entry-id-81http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3cd50801449608af1dbfc8c7aac7e41c-81.php#unique-entry-id-81Below are some images of the developing process of the Cold War Wings plate from an early phase of blocking out the ‘white’ wings areas to later stages where the layers of tone are hopefully building up and the layers of red stop out fluid cover up the metal.
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-02-14T13:39:01+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3b146184777dff397de14efffc3617ac-80.php#unique-entry-id-80http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3b146184777dff397de14efffc3617ac-80.php#unique-entry-id-80This design takes inspiration from the wing profiles of some British designed classic aircraft - Avro Vulcan, Handley Page Victor, Vickers Valiant and English Electric Lightning - symbolic of the 50’s and 60’s period of the Cold War.
Below is a drawing from which l will base the etching

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-02-10T09:24:38+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b295bb8dac81b773b5de2a7c2b16191e-79.php#unique-entry-id-79http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b295bb8dac81b773b5de2a7c2b16191e-79.php#unique-entry-id-79


Birmingham Printmakers are participating in a festival of printmaking - Impress 09 - centred on Stroud and run by Gloucestershire Printmaking Cooperative.
The website is very informative with a calendar of events, details on the artists and print studios participating, slideshow of works in the exhibition and a great catalogue.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-02-07T14:14:20+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/828fd652504955d9c23836b7f0a2d43a-78.php#unique-entry-id-78http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/828fd652504955d9c23836b7f0a2d43a-78.php#unique-entry-id-78These are a couple of images of the work in progress and the process of evolution




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-02-02T09:17:14+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5a1ef394a1a804c7c17b1d0d59f8aa1c-77.php#unique-entry-id-77http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5a1ef394a1a804c7c17b1d0d59f8aa1c-77.php#unique-entry-id-77

© Emma Hardicker

Emma Hardicker is a talented artist who has joined Birmingham Printmakers . Check out her work.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-01-26T08:43:57+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/7c7b2f7a148f4efab88d1853a14a291f-76.php#unique-entry-id-76http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/7c7b2f7a148f4efab88d1853a14a291f-76.php#unique-entry-id-76l am embarking on another aeronautically inspired vinylcut print based on the Belyaev DB-LK aircraft built during the late 1930’s by the U.S.S.R.
Begining with a drawn design:



cut marks on the square of vinyl flooring


and taking a print off this plate to evaluate the progress so far:

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-01-17T20:30:00+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/157b7044801140c33108b228bab5742c-75.php#unique-entry-id-75http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/157b7044801140c33108b228bab5742c-75.php#unique-entry-id-75After some further etching l was able to print off the following:



l may opt to lose the BT tower in future prints by cropping the plate, as cropped in iPhoto results in the following:

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-01-12T14:30:13+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a7c4c5c928f2afe0a5e67caccce1a8eb-74.php#unique-entry-id-74http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a7c4c5c928f2afe0a5e67caccce1a8eb-74.php#unique-entry-id-74After applying a couple of aquatints to the plate and bitten several times and taken a few prints to check on the result, it will be necessary to repeat the aquatint and etching in those areas of the image that weren’t adequately etched and when inked up and printed were visibly ‘shadowy’ and indistinct on the paper.

The plate after the first series of aquatint and etching:




preparing the plate for a further working having stopped out (covered) the areas which were sucessfully etched first time around:

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-01-06T09:30:37+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b4891c45f2070a250447e56af81128b3-73.php#unique-entry-id-73http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b4891c45f2070a250447e56af81128b3-73.php#unique-entry-id-73Work has begun on a new image with the subject the construction around Snowhill station.

Shown below are the working drawing and an early stage in the etching of the plate



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2009-01-02T17:45:37+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2013104a6f498c3cdd78386afea5c53d-72.php#unique-entry-id-72http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2013104a6f498c3cdd78386afea5c53d-72.php#unique-entry-id-72

© Soledad Pinto

The image above comes from the a recent installation by Soledad Pinto who is a member of Birmigham Printmakers who has put together her own site to show her range of work. This large piece is comprised of sections of screenprinted devore fabric sewn together with the original subject being a derelict building in Birmingham]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-27T14:06:23+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/bc373a6331c4b121dc24b31ce1f5943e-71.php#unique-entry-id-71http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/bc373a6331c4b121dc24b31ce1f5943e-71.php#unique-entry-id-71The demolition of a residential highrise block of flats on Sherlock St in the Highgate area of Birmingham was the basis for this work. With the dramatic jagged pinnacle and exterior walls removed the tower made for a tempting subject.

From a number of photographs the drawing was made



Then followed the stages of etching and aquatint using Hunts Speedball screenfiller as the means of stop out.







The resultant plate ready for inking up



and a print
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-24T19:11:23+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b1ac258620d5bab0e42629ef31c988c5-70.php#unique-entry-id-70http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b1ac258620d5bab0e42629ef31c988c5-70.php#unique-entry-id-70courtesy of Per O G Dahlberg ©




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-23T23:39:30+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4119f0c3aea3f29e3256b246523e6cf1-69.php#unique-entry-id-69http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4119f0c3aea3f29e3256b246523e6cf1-69.php#unique-entry-id-69courtesy of Per O G Dahlberg ©




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-22T00:05:08+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6a8cd6ed34ef28ef31eccb1bdceaabe2-68.php#unique-entry-id-68http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6a8cd6ed34ef28ef31eccb1bdceaabe2-68.php#unique-entry-id-68© Per O G Dahlberg

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-21T12:32:03+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/71237b48d0c321f0a0a20ea27880ed37-67.php#unique-entry-id-67http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/71237b48d0c321f0a0a20ea27880ed37-67.php#unique-entry-id-67l would like to wish visitors my very best wishes and hopes for season and 2009 which are very well expressed in a sequence of illustrations by © Per O G Dahlberg
(more of Per’s seasonal illustrations over the next few days)

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-21T11:45:39+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/0c294f3ded0bf722f9462b9c97263eb9-66.php#unique-entry-id-66http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/0c294f3ded0bf722f9462b9c97263eb9-66.php#unique-entry-id-66On what turned out to be another unsucessful attempt to have work accepted for the annual Originals print exhibition at The Mall Galleries, l took the opportunity to take in some high quality print shows.

Firstly, another Birmingham born artist Peter Freeth R.A. who has an exhibition of his work (till Feb22.free) on at the Royal Academy which includes alot of information about his ways of working which are quite complex. l especially liked his early work which incorporated newspaper images from a period when the nature of newspaper ink facilitated this approach.


There are two galleries featuring work of Cyril Power and other linocut artists of the Grosvenor School. The Redfern Gallery on Cork Street (close to The Royal Academy) has a pleasing range of original works such as Sybil Andrews’ ‘Gipsies’ below which are so evocative in their design. The other gallery showing work by this school is Osborne Samuel again in the Mayfair area.

© Sybil Andrews

l finished off by visiting Bankside Gallery to go around the Mini Picture show which has a range of prints from as little as £25 and features artists such as Anita Klein (below)


© Anita Klein
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-06T10:45:28+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/bfd12cd4236092104becc310d01487e2-65.php#unique-entry-id-65http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/bfd12cd4236092104becc310d01487e2-65.php#unique-entry-id-65Just a short distance away from our Digbeth location is the Jubilee Centre which has various artists studios and they’re staging an exhibition this coming week

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-12-03T11:28:31+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2002a4b5344a16ec25f3be76b235a11e-64.php#unique-entry-id-64http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2002a4b5344a16ec25f3be76b235a11e-64.php#unique-entry-id-64


This image ‘White Chevy Red Trailer’ is the work of John Salt, a local born artist who is best known for his photo realist air brush paintings of American cars, often in a battered state. Some of his work is in the collection of the Birmingham Art Gallery and features in a current exhibition, The Art of Birmingham 1940 - 2008 which continues until Feb 1 2009. ( Paul Bartlett a member of Birmingham Printmakers also has work in this show)
Listening to John Salt talk about his work recently, l was struck by the incredible painstaking process he uses to create his work which involves breaking down the image into small sections and completing these rather than building it up incrementally by working over the whole canvas.

His airbrush technique is combined with cutting out very intricate stencils from paper through which he develops the layers of colours. He does not use the airbrush in a ‘freehand’ fashion but entirely with the use of stencils. An incredible artist!

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-11-27T10:14:08+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6e20ef23bf4c225e90e69707fb048336-63.php#unique-entry-id-63http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6e20ef23bf4c225e90e69707fb048336-63.php#unique-entry-id-63A recent etching & aquatint image has been that of the clock tower and domes that make up the Great Hall complex on Birmingham University’s Edgbaston campus. The domes have a Byzantine grace and l hope to generate more materal from this site.

The initial drawing..




was followed up by a pen rendering on draughting film that formed the line etching..




from which l pulled the printed image..



experimenting with a plate tone...



and trying out a version in Paynes Grey


]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-11-25T16:27:46+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/140b16398d8cd2629ff370a7f2f96135-62.php#unique-entry-id-62http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/140b16398d8cd2629ff370a7f2f96135-62.php#unique-entry-id-62
This is an initial drypoint study based on the demolition of a high rise tower in the Highgate end of Sherlock Street, Birmingham adjacent to the former Brooklyn College site which is also being taken down. It is somewhat rough and l will be repeating it a larger scale to better utilise the mark-making characteristic of drypoint etching.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-11-23T11:41:06+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/c4f46ac7b1dd3251292877aaee5ce465-61.php#unique-entry-id-61http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/c4f46ac7b1dd3251292877aaee5ce465-61.php#unique-entry-id-61
Members of Birmingham Print Makers have put up an exhibition in Staff House at the University of Birmingham which runs until December 23rd



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-11-05T15:02:20+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/13b692a91b6d1b56ae0da346c7fd92d3-60.php#unique-entry-id-60http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/13b692a91b6d1b56ae0da346c7fd92d3-60.php#unique-entry-id-60I would like to advertise these current and future shows in which l have submissions.




The biennial RBSA Print exhibition includes examples of work from most print techniques and offers a stunning visual feast for the eye

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-10-19T08:06:32+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/72bebeb14e74b4c7224c8ea529a5cb8c-59.php#unique-entry-id-59http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/72bebeb14e74b4c7224c8ea529a5cb8c-59.php#unique-entry-id-59Having attempted to re-etch part of the plate below to introduce darker tones below the bridge and ruined the plate in the process l was needing to repeat the image from scratch.

Unfortunately, the second attempt wasn’t sucessful


But after battling a third time an acceptable image was achieved!


Shown below are views of the plate towards the end of the etching process. Most of the plate is painted over with the oxide coloured Speedball screenfiller which is used to ‘stop out’ those areas of the plate which have been etched and need to be protected from further etching.

This is the section of the plate that required further etching as it wasn’t robust enough to survive more than a few ink ups before it softened and lost it’s tonal qualities

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-10-09T19:15:01+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/135f5c293c925d28f24fb92dbe69cd42-58.php#unique-entry-id-58http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/135f5c293c925d28f24fb92dbe69cd42-58.php#unique-entry-id-58Last Tuesday saw me down in London for the opening of the Society of Graphic Fine Art (SGFA) in which l had 3 pieces of work. Earlier in the day l was delighted to learn that my application for associate membership of the SGFA had been sucessfull.
Whilst l was in the vicinity of the Southbank, l popped into the the Bankside Gallery and was delighted to find the annual touring exhibition of the Society of Woodengravers in residence which is definetly worth visiting.
The legendary Ken Howard opened the exhibition giving a thoughtful and humourous speech. To add to my enjoyment of the day, l was awarded a highly commended prize for the ‘Regeneration’ theme of the exhibition with my submission ‘Changing Birmingham’.
The Menier Gallery venue was great and the atmosphere on the night was friendly with people coming up to me and asking me about my work.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-09-29T16:24:12+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/aa1f414f61f4d466f0c76df59b0393b3-57.php#unique-entry-id-57http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/aa1f414f61f4d466f0c76df59b0393b3-57.php#unique-entry-id-57

At a recent art event l came across the work of Richard Hastings who makes very attractive work from forged metal. Based in Hereford, his Angel Forge company features a range of ornate and distinctive items - we were fascinated by the vases (above) and bowls. ]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-09-18T22:51:19+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/032797c2799bafdb0b1358d92658155d-56.php#unique-entry-id-56http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/032797c2799bafdb0b1358d92658155d-56.php#unique-entry-id-56Some of my work has been accpeted for the 87th Open Exhibition of the Society of Graphic Fine Art which opens of September 30th. This will mark my first showing of work in London.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-09-18T14:59:34+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/08bb8440b0102b93a6bc9aa3fae27513-55.php#unique-entry-id-55http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/08bb8440b0102b93a6bc9aa3fae27513-55.php#unique-entry-id-55

As a member of Birmingham Art Circle a couple of pieces of my work are included in a stimulating show currently open at the RBSA until Saturday October 27th which is also the day l am scheduled to be demonstrating relief printmaking. All the demonstrations are listed under the ‘events’ section of the RBSA site.
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-09-01T23:06:59+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/285c1769a31c5cbda3dc56f6a2700c03-54.php#unique-entry-id-54http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/285c1769a31c5cbda3dc56f6a2700c03-54.php#unique-entry-id-54Having cut a fourth plate in an effort to bring off a three colour image - and found it to be ‘busy’ and confused - l reverted to the two colour print and ended up with some reasonable results.

These are images of an inked up plate and stages of the image before the final black line.







and some of the final results:










Although l have used water washable relief inks exclusively up to this point, l was finding that the black line was often erratic in definition and impact. Part way through this project l tried out a traditional oil based black and found it to be more consistent and delivered a much deeper and luxuriant quality - only offset by the more laborious cleaning up procedure which would deter me from switching all my colours to traditional oil based!
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-08-27T11:25:53+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/c4247e261a179a7968fd3a7c4a4c35f3-53.php#unique-entry-id-53http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/c4247e261a179a7968fd3a7c4a4c35f3-53.php#unique-entry-id-53Both of these local artists and members of Birmingham Printmakers have got exhibition previews this week. Sarah on Thursday of this week and Michelle the night after, on Friday.



Michelle is running workshops, details below
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-08-16T16:27:50+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/583bb4c0715939e29f7e6a9746104d6b-52.php#unique-entry-id-52http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/583bb4c0715939e29f7e6a9746104d6b-52.php#unique-entry-id-52These jpegs show an early stage and a completed image as well as one of the pieces of vinyl at the cutting stage. l may refine these plates are a little further. As it is a fairly ‘busy’ image l probably won’t cut a further plate to introduce another colour texture.





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-08-11T16:13:58+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/0e38ebaa0459d22b70fb6a05e8031d02-51.php#unique-entry-id-51http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/0e38ebaa0459d22b70fb6a05e8031d02-51.php#unique-entry-id-51l have concluded the ‘Lone Russian’ print after trying out some toned down colours and arrived at a reasonable result:

first colour on this example



after applying two colours before the final black detail



one variation



another combination


and combining 4 colours




l have begun work on another aircraft (!) themed design this time with the Catalina seaplane as the central form. The dimensions are 33x43 cm and may be a two plate project or depending on the result may yet be needing a third plate

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-08-06T17:19:49+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4cb5e0a20c3c0bf6bebb757165d8ff3b-50.php#unique-entry-id-50http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4cb5e0a20c3c0bf6bebb757165d8ff3b-50.php#unique-entry-id-50l’ve been having problems with recent postings disappearing or being muddled up, but l think the technical issues have been sorted.

As to printing, the current PI-16 ‘Lone Russian’ vinylcut is coming along and l now have 3 plates in total with which l’ve been trying out different colour combinations. These are some of the ensuing results and comments/feedback as to preference or suggestions would be welcome.












]]>info@artfall.co.ukNone2008-07-06T19:37:00+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4224bc464cfc27f96207ed8d6523778a-49.php#unique-entry-id-49http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/4224bc464cfc27f96207ed8d6523778a-49.php#unique-entry-id-49One of the current relief print projects is based around a WW2 aircraft built by the USSR, the Polikarpov PI-16 which l am setting against a backdrop of snowy landscape with conifer trees.

A sketch of the design


the tracing to apply to the vinyl



cutting the vinyl


taking a print from the work in progress




more plates to cut!]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-07-14T13:42:59+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/544657bebcf51bd0322c712fcde01f5b-48.php#unique-entry-id-48http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/544657bebcf51bd0322c712fcde01f5b-48.php#unique-entry-id-48l’ve long admired life drawing images and l attempt some of my own on a sporadic basis with the long term aim of producing an etching. Attending a long session l was able to generate a reasonable pencil and watercolour pencil pencil study.


]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-07-02T21:24:34+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/1af03dedfe2f72887a7c80e40d1be938-47.php#unique-entry-id-47http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/1af03dedfe2f72887a7c80e40d1be938-47.php#unique-entry-id-47Dean's sent me a link to his site ' from perfume to birdsong' which is vibrant and varied. l particularly like his enamel on aluminium work - this medium has a quality which always draws my eye whenever l (too infrequently) see it in exhibitions. Louise Sanders is another exponent of this genre - sorry no known site to link to as yet.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-06-29T07:16:15+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/86910d97e338975c09376df27a0ac432-46.php#unique-entry-id-46http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/86910d97e338975c09376df27a0ac432-46.php#unique-entry-id-46l was sent this link to a fascinating depiction of some very large scale relief printmaking requiring the use of a steamroller for taking the printing.

More locally, the Wolverhampton Open 08 opens on July 5 and includes work by Stephen Earl Rogers and Ross Jones. This is the same day as the Jewellery Quarter Arts and Crafts Fair (via Created in Birmingham) at which l shall have a stall to show my wares.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-06-28T11:16:35+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b8ceb5794b0a30fa08c693553a57416e-45.php#unique-entry-id-45http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b8ceb5794b0a30fa08c693553a57416e-45.php#unique-entry-id-45Recently l have been dipping my toes into the screen printing process through courses run by Carol Annand and Cath Bowdler at BPM and have been pleased with the results. The image l used was from my photography and l particularly liked the look of the random, mixed colours. l will hopefully find time to explore some more with silkscreen (luckily we have a very good supplier of materials in the shape of Premier Screens)

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-06-25T22:38:19+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/beffd3a0aebfe8ec1dfa711705c8f231-44.php#unique-entry-id-44http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/beffd3a0aebfe8ec1dfa711705c8f231-44.php#unique-entry-id-44Now comes the stage of pulling prints and trying out different inks on varying tones of paper - so far black, sepia and sanguine on white and off white paper, but have yet to use sepia on a cream paper (Fabriano Rosaspina) and Paynes Grey ink.

These are some of the results so far (there is a slight curvature due to my basic photography)



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-06-23T23:56:56+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a55a12bcc277f60b8f0d31e8091e321b-43.php#unique-entry-id-43http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a55a12bcc277f60b8f0d31e8091e321b-43.php#unique-entry-id-43After judging that l'd etched the aluminium long enough the final stage was to remove the accumulated layers of stop out (Speedball screen filler). This necessitates the use of methylated spirit and then cellulose thinners to finish and remove the most persevering of stop out - this l undertake in the back garden as the this is an unpleasant and hazardous stage.

These two pics show the gradual emergence of the etched image and striking in their own sense



After much wiping and finishing off with detergent the plate comes up to a state ready for printing from




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-06-14T16:39:41+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/47558cbf2cb110c0834c518ab469255b-42.php#unique-entry-id-42http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/47558cbf2cb110c0834c518ab469255b-42.php#unique-entry-id-42I've been working on a now demolished view of a site in Digbeth bordered by High St, Bradford St and Rea St which l assume was some form of industry/manufacture. It lies behind the Irish Centre and faces the Custard Factory l assume it will be replaced by mixed used housing and retail.
In some ways it strikes me as a pity that the chimney couldn't have been retained and incorporated into the redevelopment so as to give some reminder of it's past heritage and sense of place and relation to the area. Fortunately, l was able to view this area whilst it still had wire mesh fencing around it - next day this was replaced by solid metal sheet which eliminated any view.

This is an image of my original drawing showing the additions of paper as the design came together. It measure 75 x 35 cm. The hope is for the eventual print taken from the plate which l will create to resemble this image.


The result of photocopying the above left me with an image that l could work out tonal values more fully and being a horizontal flip of the original drawing is the working basis for the creation of the plate.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-06-04T06:22:07+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/56c5d30e5cca62cd4a774b2489c8eeb8-40.php#unique-entry-id-40http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/56c5d30e5cca62cd4a774b2489c8eeb8-40.php#unique-entry-id-40After experimenting with ferric chloride as an etching mordant on aluminium and not getting very good results, l returned to etching in a copper sulphate saline solution.
The resultant image is a viewpoint in the centre of Birmingham taking in modern apartment building along Charlotte St and the iconic BT Tower. The canal lock gate and the elegant parabola forms of the footbridge made this an attractive subject for me.

This image was successful in being accepted for inclusion in the RBSA Prize exhibition currently running.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-04-13T19:06:59+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/7a51d396db9d4cf5b3dd90a7ff987b29-39.php#unique-entry-id-39http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/7a51d396db9d4cf5b3dd90a7ff987b29-39.php#unique-entry-id-39
After finishing the Eastside copper etching & aquatint, l tried out combinations of different papers from bright white through to deep cream with black ( T E Lawrence ) and sepia and sanguine inks from Charbonnel.

These are the results







l think on balance l prefer the black on a white paper and sepia on a cream paper.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-04-08T16:00:37+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/ecee921801c9bf991561d15c72957718-38.php#unique-entry-id-38http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/ecee921801c9bf991561d15c72957718-38.php#unique-entry-id-38
Whilst attending a meeting of the Guild of Aviation Artists at RAF Cosford l took the opportunity to make some sketches which l've scanned below:

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-04-06T22:06:31+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/58c9f7dcb43803f1fea79d465dc43ca2-37.php#unique-entry-id-37http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/58c9f7dcb43803f1fea79d465dc43ca2-37.php#unique-entry-id-37
l have recently been trying my hand at etching on copper plate, using ferric chloride to bite the metal.

The subject is a section of the viaduct in the Digbeth area of Birmingham (the background view of building is the Custard Factory) and just a few metres from Birmingham Print Makers.

The actual image size is 15 x 20 cm and the images below show an early stage with the line bite and the completed image after the application of aquatint and a build up of tones.

l will be producing more architectural pieces on aluminium in the coming weeks at a bigger scale.




]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-03-21T23:44:19+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/fdf1aa1dfdf25d8647523a44d229dd50-36.php#unique-entry-id-36http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/fdf1aa1dfdf25d8647523a44d229dd50-36.php#unique-entry-id-36Over the last two months l've been working on one of a series of prints featuring aircraft profiles against distorted land or water forms.
This one based around the Avro Vulcan cold war bomber has preoccupied me particularly with detailing the aircraft and have tried leaving it as a white form, or using thin camouflage lines or lines of panels without satisfaction. l have found that overprinting the aircraft space to resemble the background and then applying a block with dark areas suggestive of camouflage seems to work well.
By using 3 colours and alternating the sequence of colours l can achieve 'warm' and 'cold' outcomes. A couple of my results have made it into the RBSA's Open All Media show which is currently on.

Here a few images showing stages of development with this project:










]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-03-21T22:35:11+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/89a647a4587547c312765dc8f306817a-35.php#unique-entry-id-35http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/89a647a4587547c312765dc8f306817a-35.php#unique-entry-id-35l'm pleased to report that we have pretty well got things settled and sorted in Floodgate St and will be having an official opening on April 4 @ 6pm.

There is a list of courses being run over the next few months, details of which can be found on the website ]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-02-20T13:07:39+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/19e15884b045ed796088fca01805088b-34.php#unique-entry-id-34http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/19e15884b045ed796088fca01805088b-34.php#unique-entry-id-34l have continued working on this image of a Vulcan and trying out different background colour combinations - next stage is to look at the detailing of the aircraft.







]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-02-11T16:10:42+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/cc7f89b3380a27f80813e44ae290264a-33.php#unique-entry-id-33http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/cc7f89b3380a27f80813e44ae290264a-33.php#unique-entry-id-33
Last week Birmingham Printmakers bought a very lightly used Bewick and Wilson etching press. This is a superbly engineered machine and is a fantastic addition to our facilities and will be greatly appreciated.

Here are a few pictures of the Bewick. Peter is the last owner and Carl and Anne are BPM members.




On till the 16th of this week is the RBSA Friends Winter exhibition which is well worth a visit over in the Jewellery Quarter.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-02-02T12:18:17+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6c9eb9af28a4c1af1f7fa45da035ab7b-32.php#unique-entry-id-32http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6c9eb9af28a4c1af1f7fa45da035ab7b-32.php#unique-entry-id-32Andrew Tift recommended checking out the work of Stephen McMillan and his work is truly masterly and offers an insight into the process he employs to produce prints of stunning intricacy. DO visit.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-01-27T16:39:05+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b0976d1f8d8459d8c3c0d7f6b54f5169-31.php#unique-entry-id-31http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b0976d1f8d8459d8c3c0d7f6b54f5169-31.php#unique-entry-id-31After focussing on the move of Birmingham Printmakers and then the more domestic overhaul and tidying of my own workspace at home, l've finally been able to get down to some of my own printmaking.
This design is inspired by the classic Avro Vulcan aircraft of the cold war era with it's graceful and elegant delta wing design.
l was given a vinyl floor tile by Paul Hipkiss and found that it was easier to cut and achieve a finer line and of course did away with cutting against the grain and splintering.
l'm hoping to develop this design into 2 or 3 colour variations.
The images below show the vinyl block and a black print from this and a print with a green base colour.





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-01-17T14:30:25+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d0c9b139ae06fa3b4b31c4a0296287de-30.php#unique-entry-id-30http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d0c9b139ae06fa3b4b31c4a0296287de-30.php#unique-entry-id-30An exhibition of prints from the nineteenth century by Utagawa Hiroshige being shown at the Ikon Gallery in Birmingham closes on January 20 and is well worth a visit. Curated by Julian Opie, the exhibition contains a sample from series such as 36 Views of Fuji and100 Famous Views of Edo.
This artist demonstrates a mastery for depicting water and land forms as well as mountain terrain (the Ikon programme reveals the reproduction of one such when unfolded) as well as quite intricate placement of human figures and fascinating depictions of Japanese street scenes.
The intricacy, detail and use of colour is staggering. The Ikon bookshop stocks a range of books to accompany this exhibition.
And admission is free.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-01-13T15:39:17+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3c141065ec30ec47f8fc8645fbf66bf2-29.php#unique-entry-id-29http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/3c141065ec30ec47f8fc8645fbf66bf2-29.php#unique-entry-id-29Earlier this week, Edgar Neblett turned up to work on his screens and became the first of the BPM membership to use the new Floodgate premises. Here's a few pics of Edgar in action :





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-01-11T10:35:29+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/451c0620c25e3f52233aa000906eec97-28.php#unique-entry-id-28http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/451c0620c25e3f52233aa000906eec97-28.php#unique-entry-id-28This is a recent view of the workshop after the move of all the equipment. We are completing the decoration and getting down to sorting out all the small equipment and finding a home for stuff still in boxes.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2008-01-09T15:29:23+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a1bf5dfa1e40ed184a1455199217a0fe-27.php#unique-entry-id-27http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/a1bf5dfa1e40ed184a1455199217a0fe-27.php#unique-entry-id-27Over the last month Birmingham Printmakers has been in the process of relocating to new premises in Floodgate St (see posting 5/12/07 for map). This has involved much work by members in packing and moving gear as well as redecorating the new place.
Special mention should be made of Freddie and his daughter Victoria who very patiently and skilfully brought over our presses and heavy equipment and to Dan who undertook the building and plumbing work.
The vintage Albion press took some doing to get into and out of buildings owing to it's height and weight but as Freddie told us, it was so engineered as to separate into pieces that could be carried up stairs and reassembled like a construction kit!
Here are a few pics to illustrate the above:



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-12-27T19:19:06+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/79712bccaca5814f40a79b14cd2d9c70-26.php#unique-entry-id-26http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/79712bccaca5814f40a79b14cd2d9c70-26.php#unique-entry-id-26


Moira Wright took a picture of those of us gathered for BPM's last get together on December 15 at the Lee Bank Business Centre.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-12-07T09:04:38+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/10026f162970fdecc1581d23b4d990d6-25.php#unique-entry-id-25http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/10026f162970fdecc1581d23b4d990d6-25.php#unique-entry-id-25I went along, on a very wet night, to the opening of the RBSA's Open All Media exhibition which runs till December 24. The work displayed is rich and varied and includes screenprints by BPM members Cath Bowdler and Victoria Linehan. Well worth a visit and possibly picking up an affordable Christmas present if you're in the vicinity of St Paul's and the Jewellery Quarter.
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-12-05T19:18:28+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d2d3ff0e47ed0d7c8862b79d4ce8bd89-24.php#unique-entry-id-24http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d2d3ff0e47ed0d7c8862b79d4ce8bd89-24.php#unique-entry-id-24After a great deal of effort and searching for suitable rented spaces around Birmingham by Celia, Anne and Jackie (indebted to you) over the previous months, Birmingham Printmakers is on the move after losing our subsidised unit at Lee Bank.



So December will be upheaval with moving all our equipment and gear over but hopefully we should up and running again in January and looking forward to another chapter in the BPM's history!]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-12-05T18:54:39+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/bff52bc2f373ea86f0dd4277ef4f2f21-23.php#unique-entry-id-23http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/bff52bc2f373ea86f0dd4277ef4f2f21-23.php#unique-entry-id-23l went down to London on Saturday to submit prints for the Originals '08 exhibition to be held in The Mall Galleries in February - will be hoping to get one or more selected!
Whilst down there l went round the Hockney on Turner exhibition at Tate Britain which is excellent (and free!) as it highlights the JMW Turner's techniques and such details as the palette of colours he used on different sketching tours. l was intrigued by his use of blue/grey paper in combination with watercolour and other media and the effectiveness of the results (great for highlights) - l will have to have a go at a similar approach myself at some point.
Had time also to pop into the British Museum to look at the second part of the selection of prints and drawings acquired by the BM - a fascinating range on view.
The day was completed by a visit to The Royal Oak to enjoy a nice meal and a pint of Harvey's excellent Christmas Ale which was just coming on as l arrived!! Perfect end to the day!
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-11-19T19:16:42+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/554308b6bfbb1d579d10000560fdc155-22.php#unique-entry-id-22http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/554308b6bfbb1d579d10000560fdc155-22.php#unique-entry-id-22
l would like to highly recommend the exhibition 'A Life In Relief' currently on at the gallery in The Custard Factory till Sunday which is inspired by the life of Michael Davitt. Brendon Deacy is the brilliant printmaker who has generated this exhibition over a period of 4 years and he is on hand to talk to visitors.

Here are a couple of the lino cuts reproduced with permission of Brendon





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-11-16T09:56:00+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/fbcafbe05efd5b69af4f30666a14b9fc-21.php#unique-entry-id-21http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/fbcafbe05efd5b69af4f30666a14b9fc-21.php#unique-entry-id-21This is a recent etching of a view of the canal as it weaves it's way from Aston, through Snow Hill and onwards to the BT tower and the city centre.






They have been inked up in sanguine and warm sepia Charbonnel inks.]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-11-10T17:33:43+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/439b1a50e8d792f419babcc1579ee710-20.php#unique-entry-id-20http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/439b1a50e8d792f419babcc1579ee710-20.php#unique-entry-id-20l would like to flag up the blog of Danny Gregory who is an inspiration to anyone with self-doubt about their creativeness and has written some great books, one which l have is 'Everyday Matters'. He encourages people to observe and draw in their daily doings and journalling. If you're feeling jaded or tired with the commercial pursuit of creativeness, his outlook and perspective will certainly revive that essential innate love of drawing.
Well worth a visit and the site has a wealth of archived posts and attracts many comments.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-11-08T18:59:43+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d0607e08798241bac80ac0915ab219ab-19.php#unique-entry-id-19http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d0607e08798241bac80ac0915ab219ab-19.php#unique-entry-id-19l had the pleasure of meeting Pete Ashton, the man behind Created in Birmingham blog and a very amiable and knowledgeable chap he was to chat with as he talked to a group of creatives on the Makers and Shapers course run by Creative Alliance based in The Custard Factory. He performs the amazing feat of filtering the many and diverse blogs and websites in the locality and offering a sample of his trawl and encouraging and promoting online communities in the true tradition of the internet ethos.

He kindly agreed pose for a photo during the lunch break



]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-11-08T18:50:09+00:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8e9b25dd89c852c31689c3cbdc797b81-18.php#unique-entry-id-18http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8e9b25dd89c852c31689c3cbdc797b81-18.php#unique-entry-id-18






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-10-06T22:36:56+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6a55a6c27cd504665e928591ff9e8a63-17.php#unique-entry-id-17http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/6a55a6c27cd504665e928591ff9e8a63-17.php#unique-entry-id-17






the whole image




some close ups





]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-09-23T18:49:43+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/c6b5842c9ad89fa1f07871bcec5809bc-16.php#unique-entry-id-16http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/c6b5842c9ad89fa1f07871bcec5809bc-16.php#unique-entry-id-16

Another great exhibition opening tomorrow and an opportunity to buy affordable prints from some top printmakers - especially on Wednesday night.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-09-18T15:53:55+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d1b283a963002e7f7b5b34e6bc6e6d7b-15.php#unique-entry-id-15http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d1b283a963002e7f7b5b34e6bc6e6d7b-15.php#unique-entry-id-15






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-09-15T00:20:19+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/927d255921a4505bc92c195ca120f0ae-13.php#unique-entry-id-13http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/927d255921a4505bc92c195ca120f0ae-13.php#unique-entry-id-13



The next three images are the above plate printed in three different colours and overprinted in black with the final plate which l showed in the previous post. It's amazing to see the transformative process that takes place when layers of pattern and colour interact and an image comes to life.



l think these work in their own right but l shall create another plate which will be printed up after the initial colour and before the last plate in order to give a second colour and another outcome.

Birmingham Printmakers still appear to be heading for a departure from Lee Bank Business Centre before the end of the year as there appears to be no viable way of meeting the full business rate rents that we would face once Council subsidising support is withdrawn. We are urgently looking for alternative spaces in the city.

BPM are represented in the Council House and in Victoria Square, Birmingham over the weekend of Sept 16/17 as part of the Artsfest event.


so you can meet printmakers in the flesh!
]]>info@artfall.co.ukExhibitionsRBSA2007-09-09T17:03:47+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2c0b356f3824641570a5eaccd907507a-12.php#unique-entry-id-12http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/2c0b356f3824641570a5eaccd907507a-12.php#unique-entry-id-12l was fortunate to have my Bristol Street etching selected for the current RBSA Friends exhibition, well worth a detour over to the Jewellery Quarter - and whilst at the private view on Thursday l was introduced to a fellow printmaker and a prizewinner at this show, Susan Steele, who is based up at the Ridware Arts Centre up in Staffordshire and which l hope to visit myself in the near future.
Apologies for the curving effect from my self-taken digital images - l hope to find out one day how to avoid this.



Planespotting - plate





Planespotting - print]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-08-28T17:40:41+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b8ab60bf7c897d1c9907ac2e052bc631-11.php#unique-entry-id-11http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b8ab60bf7c897d1c9907ac2e052bc631-11.php#unique-entry-id-11
http://www.intaglioprintmaker.com

l think they work quite well and will return to in the future. l just wish there was a wider range of coloured etching paper.












These images show some preliminary drawings for a new woodcut design, yet again with an aeronautical theme!






]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-08-28T17:30:00+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/f633799640ea18701f670d62dc8ffe16-10.php#unique-entry-id-10http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/f633799640ea18701f670d62dc8ffe16-10.php#unique-entry-id-10l'm quite happy with the result but would make changes in any future repeat of this - but not just yet as this took me 3 attempts!

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-08-03T10:23:19+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/257f665ce2bbdf5cbf64d275ced8dafb-9.php#unique-entry-id-9http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/257f665ce2bbdf5cbf64d275ced8dafb-9.php#unique-entry-id-9This print form lends itself to a more drawn/sketch/painterly approach than others and l am looking forward to exploring further in the near future.


]]>info@artfall.co.ukcurrent work2007-07-20T18:22:41+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/52c237021a638b27a325cd0cfc1d2069-8.php#unique-entry-id-8http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/52c237021a638b27a325cd0cfc1d2069-8.php#unique-entry-id-8l have made sketch studies and taken photographs to provide me with the basis for etchings and woodcuts. l've already attempted one etching which wasn't successful but will retry.
These are sketches that l made:








]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-07-17T19:17:39+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d7fb6d2b3dd1181ad3272950862e28be-7.php#unique-entry-id-7http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/d7fb6d2b3dd1181ad3272950862e28be-7.php#unique-entry-id-7here.

Our current stay of execution is until the end of September which is nowhere near enough time to find an affordable(!) new home for BPM's.]]>info@artfall.co.ukExhibitions2007-06-20T22:15:50+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5feeb824a0707ca7ca1954b3051de9f2-6.php#unique-entry-id-6http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5feeb824a0707ca7ca1954b3051de9f2-6.php#unique-entry-id-6

Dish Mops



Ex-Voto



Strange Structure



Balcony



St Swithin

]]>info@artfall.co.ukNews2007-06-20T14:43:38+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5ac929c611a16652c1a1ae22b6052790-5.php#unique-entry-id-5http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/5ac929c611a16652c1a1ae22b6052790-5.php#unique-entry-id-5Birmingham Artists for the last few weeks due to some inexplicable change in Birmingham City Council's attitude to supporting local art and artists.

If support for subsidised artists' spaces from B.C.C is withdrawn we will as a city and region be the poorer for it as the majority of artists aren't isolated types (like myself!) working away on unfeasible projects but are involved in many aspects of education, outreach and therapeutic applications of creativity. These practitioners contribute greatly to the lives of many individuals, young and old in ways that may not be accountable in purely monetary terms. As none of these individuals is 'in it for the money' they vitally need subsidised artist spaces out of which to work.

Please check out the Word documents below for more information:

Press Release BPM

FW_ press release birmingham artists]]>info@artfall.co.ukExhibitions2007-06-19T08:13:11+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8421e6fce2071096ab9f3dc1c19d2ee1-4.php#unique-entry-id-4http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8421e6fce2071096ab9f3dc1c19d2ee1-4.php#unique-entry-id-4






Thought l'd post a few images from yesterday when a group of Birmingham Printmakers spent the day - including Anne Crews herself - hanging a range of Anne's work that represents her artistic output over the years. This will be the first time many people will have been able to view her work in this way - l'm thinking every artist warrants a retrospective at least once in their life - and it is a stunning statement of her talent.
We hope to have members present in the workshop during the duration of Anne's exhibition (June 23 to July 6) so that visitors can see printers working(!) as well as admiring work.
]]>info@artfall.co.ukNew work2007-06-17T19:22:00+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b0e859acc2735ca28e4317461df7a599-3.php#unique-entry-id-3http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b0e859acc2735ca28e4317461df7a599-3.php#unique-entry-id-3

This is the latest attempt at an imaginative interpretation of a (Sunderland WW2) flying boat landing on water. ]]>info@artfall.co.ukExhibitions2007-06-17T19:03:21+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b10a205aa563ef093645d1b09b98f3b2-2.php#unique-entry-id-2http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/b10a205aa563ef093645d1b09b98f3b2-2.php#unique-entry-id-2


I'm pleased to be highlighting retrospective exhibitions of the work of Anne Crews who is a founder member of Birmingham Printmakers and a great individual. Members of BPM (Birmingham Printmakers) are hanging some of Anne's work in our workshop this week and from next weekend it will be open to the public - an opportunity for anyone who might like to see the inside of a print workshop!]]>info@artfall.co.ukExhibitions2007-06-09T14:54:47+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8fc9a2fe8c151a1d06ca2ed10d62f570-1.php#unique-entry-id-1http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/8fc9a2fe8c151a1d06ca2ed10d62f570-1.php#unique-entry-id-1

I had a print accepted for the RBSA Prize Exhibition recently, and was delighted to win the Leo Honigsberger Prize for the entry. The photo shows me accepting my prize at the Private View from the Chancellor of Aston University, Sir Michael Bett.

The image below is the one which won the prize - From The Air #7, an intaglio and aquatint print.

]]>info@artfall.co.ukDemonstrations2007-05-04T17:02:07+01:00http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/495e8a13a28014cb1c3ddceb0e738bf2-0.php#unique-entry-id-0http://www.artfall.co.uk/news/files/495e8a13a28014cb1c3ddceb0e738bf2-0.php#unique-entry-id-0
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