Review of 2025 in pictures

Here’s a gallery of prints and images from this year.

Boars Head Hotel by Neil Robinson, Drypoint

Vernon Park bandstand by Neil Robinson, Eco Image Transfer

The main highlight from this year was receiving an Honorary Lifetime Membership. It was huge surprise and I was deeply flattered to receive the award in recognition of my outstanding contribution to Stockport Art Guild.

Other highlights include my very first go at hosting a series of printmaking workshops using the Eco Image Transfer technique. The workshops have proved very popular. I am also pleased to have prints in both the 20:20 Hotbed Press International Print Exchange and the IPE – International Print Exchange.

I have also started to work with Generative Artificial intelligence (AI) to bring to life my prints.

In the summer, I visited the heritage centre and did some reading up on local history including Woodbank Park.

On a day trip to London, I looked around the annual London Original Print Fair (LOPF) at Somerset House which is always worth a visit. A worthy mention was visiting PrintFest in Ulverston and the Manchester Contemporary Art Fair at the GMEX.

I am looking forward to a new year of printmaking, watch this space, there’s more to come!

Here’s wishing everyone who reads this blog a Happy New 2026!

Cheers,
Neil.

Viaduct print for 20:20

This weekend I have been busy printing my edition of mezzotint prints for the 20:20 Hot Bed Press International Print Exchange 2025.

Printed edition of 25 on Fabriano paper

“Stockport Viaduct” Mezzotint print (10 x 7.5 cm)

March update

The month of March has been a busy month for me print wise.

Last month, I was given the opportunity to host a small number of Eco Image Transfer Workshops as part of the Art For All Day event organised by Stockport Art Guild.

The print workshops were in three one hour slots and I demonstrated the simple technique of transferring a laser printed image onto paper, card and wood using a eco cleaning product.

The free workshop offered local residents interested in art, but perhaps with limited experience or opportunities, the chance to engage in a range of practical art activities guided by Stockport Art Guild members.

Check out my article about Eco Image Transfer here.

A few weeks ago, I visited the London Original Print Fair at Somerset House for the day and enjoyed the artwork on show by famous and not so famous artists.

A lot of inspirational prints on show. My favourite artist is Peter Blake.

Last weekend, I continued working on my Mezzotint print of the Viaduct. The print will be used for my entry in this year’s Twenty/Twenty Hotbed Press international print exchange.

I’ve also started work on a new etching which depicts the Pear Mill tower. I have created an initial line etching.

I am currently working on a new series of Eco Image Transfer prints focusing on Woodbank Park, the former Boars Head pub and the Bakers Vaults pub. More to follow in my next blog post.

Mezzotint print

I started work on a small mezzotint print on Friday. I am using a gelli print of the viaduct as my inspiration. My first test print shows a faint outline of the viaduct. I am using a pre-rocked copper plate about 10 x 7.5 cms.

I initially used a mezzotint etching tools to etch the plate which looks a bit like a fountain pen. The end of the tool is a diamond shape and allows for precise mark making. I then used an etching tool and scraper.

Mezzotint: First test print on proofing paper

I completed my etching of the Produce Hall yesterday and did some burnishing of the plate to highlight the path in the foreground. I also did some dry point on some of the features of the building.

Produce Hall, etching aquatint on Fabriano paper

By the way, here’s wishing all my followers a Happy and creative New Year!