Iv just finished my 3 week block of etching. I spent the few weeks experimenting with my chosen image and combined etching, drypoint and aquatint along with monoprinting in my work. I didn't want to detract from capturing the essence of the dog but played around with the image alot. I tried out different colour combinations and materials. I love to play with collage and Chine Colle. I used wallpaper, material, wool and newspaper clippings to create texture and bring an element of fun to my work. My first dog's registration documents and details  incorporate some personal detail to my prints. Throughout this time I continued to work on my sketchbook, playing with images, doing drawings and collage work.

I also started work on Photoshop which I found to be a huge help and influence on making my prints more absract. Iv been scanning in my origonal prints and working into them with Photoshop tools.

Starting Lithography next week and so I'm trying to come up with a suitable image to use. I was toying with the idea of changing my theme but have opted against this. Instead I am going to look at how dog's enrich our lives. Their intellect and genius is utilised in so many ways...guide dogs, rescue dogs etc. Im also going to look at animal cruelty and welfare. Dogs are such resilient creatures and their strenght of character and intelligence shines above their somewhat innocent, playful mannerisms. I am hoping to capture this in my image.

I always like my themes and subject matter to strike a personal chord. Dogs have always played an important part in my life and the loyalty and love shown to me by my own dogs has taught me so much.

Throughout my work you can see my progression develope and my confidence with experimentation. I didn't loose the original concept of the image...humanizing animals and portraying the essence of the dog -which stemmed from newspaper articles.