Strength From Within - 2 One of the real secrets of multiple plate/multiple colour printmaking is the ability of the artist to visualize all the various colours and elements separately in order to create each individual plate, print them in registration so they line-up together to form the final work of art. Having a master plan, be it a working sketch or just a clear idea in the printmaker's mind as to the direction the print is developing, is one vital aspect in the success of a print. The plate separations for "Strength From Within" can be seen below. They illustrate the sequential nature and growth of the print, starting with the first photo etching impressions, printed ate Artichoke Print Workshop in London.
				This proof is the combination of the three lithographic drawings above that make up the Dragon image and some support elements for the print
	Not all plates or separations are perfect. Often as a print nears completion small adjustments have to be made in order to give contrast in an area or give a bit more depth of colour to a space. This dark ochre plate does just that to the background behind my model Ming in this print. It also provides a base for the following pattern to rest on. The subtle difference can be seen in the photo below.
		The Chinese calligraphy appearing on this print was written by a friend's mother and translates roughly, "Strength comes through adversity." Her calligraphy was scanned, printed to a transparency and then exposed and developed onto a photo-litho plate for printing.
"Strength From Within" was created from one photo-etching plate, one spit-bite aquatint plate and numerous lithographic stone and photo-plate impressions. It was printed at Artichoke Print Workshop in London and the Honolulu Printmakers Workshop, Hawaii, in 2005.