Drying prints.

I'm working on a new reductive linoleum print and as usual, by the time I've gotten to laying down the 3rd or 4th color,  the ink starts to become "uncooperative".  More so  recently  because I'm working in a cold basement and the drying cycle between colors is much longer.  This has happened so often in the past and yet it always feels like a new problem to overcome.  Determined to have a more practical approach in my kit, rather than relying on luck, prayer and magic, I did an inquiry on my computer and happened upon Kellie Hame's blog, 

"Blocks and Stones may Break My Bones" http://kelliehames.blogspot.com/2010/02/reduction-multi-color-linocut-tips-and.html

Kellie is a young and talented artist currently studying at the Tamarind Institute in New Mexico.

She is also a great chronicler of printmaking processes and her post on Reduction Linoleum Tips includes a precious list [with explanations] on ink modifiers.  I'm always hugely grateful when an artist is this generous with their research.  

Using advice honed from her own mistakes,  I was able to save my print.  I now know about Cobalt Dryer, [It's toxic; use sparingly!  2 drops into one batch of ink is enough.]  which really does speed up drying times of ink layers. Her praises for Daniel Smith's "Miracle Gel" are also spot on.

I've made a few of these print hangers using clothesline,  large bulldog clips and paper tube separators made of scrap paper and tape. You can otherwise use plastic tubing from the hardware store cut into lengths for the separators.  Attach the line ends to cord cleats firmly set into the wall and if you're especially handy, hang up a pulley on one end.