Creating a piece of art is always an intriguing journey, filled with meticulous planning, creativity, and a lot of patience. The making of the “Blue-eyed Lion” is no exception. This blog will take you through the comprehensive process of bringing this majestic piece to life, with detailed descriptions and images illustrating each step.
Step 1: Transferring the Image onto the Linoleum
The first step in creating the “Blue-eyed Lion” involved transferring the image onto a piece of linoleum. Given the considerable size of the artwork, 21.5″ x 21.5″, stability was essential for precision during the carving process. To achieve this, I glued the linoleum onto a 23.5″ x 23.5″ wood board. This provided a sturdy base, ensuring that the linoleum wouldn’t warp or move as I worked on it.
Step 2: Carving the Linoleum
The next step was to carve the linoleum. Using various carving tools, I carefully chiseled away the linoleum around the lion’s image. This process was both time-consuming and delicate, as it required removing just the right amount of material to create the desired depth and texture.
Step 3: Preparing for Printing
Once the carving was complete, the next step was to prepare the linoleum for printing. This involved cleaning the surface to remove any loose pieces and applying ink evenly across the carved image. I chose a rich blue ink to highlight the lion’s eyes, ensuring they would stand out vividly against the rest of the image.
Step 4: Printing the Image
The final step was printing the image onto paper. Carefully placing the inked linoleum onto a piece of high-quality paper, I applied even pressure to transfer the image. This step required precision to ensure that the ink was evenly distributed and that the image was sharp and clear.
Step 5: Applying the Base Colors
I began the painting process by applying lighter colors as a base. This foundational layer is crucial as it sets the tone for the entire artwork. Using a light touch, I carefully painted the lion’s fur, starting with shades of cream and light brown. These initial colors served as the underpainting, providing a base that would influence the subsequent layers of color.
Step 6: Managing Excess Ink
While applying the base colors, it was essential to manage the amount of ink on the paper. Too much ink could result in smudging and an uneven surface. To avoid this, I kept a paper towel handy to blot any excess ink. This simple step ensured that the colors remained crisp and clean, allowing for better control over the painting process.
Step 7: Building Up the Layers
With the base colors in place, the next step was to build up the layers of paint to create depth and dimension. I gradually added darker shades and richer tones, focusing on the lion’s mane and facial features. Each layer was carefully applied to enhance the texture and bring out the intricate details of the carving.
Detailing the Eyes
The eyes of the Blue-eyed Lion are the centerpiece of the artwork, drawing the viewer’s attention immediately. To make them stand out, I used a vibrant blue paint, carefully layering different shades to create a realistic and mesmerizing effect. The goal was to capture the intensity and beauty of the lion’s gaze.
