Today I decided to make a print from one of my recent collagraphs, (Fishermans’ Hut By The River Test). This collagraph based on a well known hut near Stockbridge in Hampshire is brought to life when printed in colour using a technique known as a double drop.
A double drop is a technique whereby a print is made using two layers of colour. In order to do this, an initial print is made from the plate using the first colour then after cleaning the plate and applying the second colour it is carefully lined up with the original print and rolled through the press. The colours used and the order of which they’re used effect the print dramatically.
The above image shows the initial print before adding the second layer. I have chosen to use 
a pale yellow ochre colour as my base layer followed by a pale ultramarine as my second layer. As you can see from the final print the yellow dances alongside the blue which calms the piece. Together the layers give depth and character to the subject and in some cases can give a sense of movement if the print has been slightly off centre.