Collagraph - Artist and Inspiration

Collagraph is a printmaking technique where materials of various texture are glued to a surface (cardboard) and then seal with a layer of acrylic medium or shellac to create a printmaking plate. The plates are then inked using a toothbrush and etching ink, and run through the press, using soaked rag paper or kozo. The texture and design are then transferred onto the paper.

Kathleen Buchanan is a printmaker and painter living and working on the coast of Maine. U.S. In her own words ‘I create images that evoke a strong sense of place, memory, and connection to the landscape and its inhabitants. Living on the coast of Maine gives me access to a dynamic landscape that shift endlessly through tides, storm cycles, and seasons.’

Buchanan works almost exclusively in collagraph medium. Buchanan collagraph plates are made from cut watercolour paper glued onto MDF board and coated with acrylic medium to create surface texture and makes the plate more durable. She then inks them with oil-based etching ink and runs them through a press, the ink is then transferred onto the rag paper. She creates a new plate for each different colour, building up layers of the image.

I’m inspired by the softness and depth of Buchanan’s collagraphs, I would like to trial are few different types of materials and textures, including using glue and dry point onto the mount board before creating a resolved plate.

Kathleen Buchanan, Autumn Fox, 8” x 8”

Kathleen Buchanan, Tall spruce, Morning Fog, 18” x 18”

https://www.kwbuchanan.com/collagraphs