This image has followed a tortured road.  4x5 film negative > black and white photograph (Ilford Multigrade FB) > handcolored with dyes > scanned to digital file > digital b&w negative and digital color negatives > handcrafted silver gelatin emulsion > three-color gum printing.   ( Note: I am working out negative manipulation guidelines.  When I feel comfortable that these are not totally bogus, I will amend this page to include that information.  Currently, I am employing standard gum printing techniques of pigment v. sensitizer concentrations and exposure timing, along with selective pigment removal during development.  Which of the time-honored gum techniques will remain part of my personal work flow is yet to be determined.  dwr: 9/10/07)

As I have noted in pervious posts, the quality of the print doesn't quite come through the scanning process.  The tooth of the paper, covered with gelatin  and gum is beautifully smooth and reflective.  The scan looks much more matt and rough than the original.

9/16/07

Three changes: 1) Silver Gelatin K-layer: Much deeper.  2) Blue layer: Replaced ink set with French Ultramarine Blue.  I'm very happy with it.  3) Red layer: Quina Rose for Quina Red.  All watercolors and gum arabic solution are from Daniel Smith.

I'm getting closer to my personal "there".  I'm happy enough with this pigment set for now that I think I'll work on base print variations and color separation negatives for a while rather than playing with different color combos. 

"I ♥" silver gelatin emulsion, "Defender Dwr" developer.  Selenium toned.  Fabriano Artistico X-White watercolor paper. Image: 3.5 x 5.25 inches.	First layer (highlights):  1g Naples Yellow watercolor/ 10 ml gum arabic solution / 10 ml 15% Potassium Dichromate / 2 drops Photoflo 600	Second layer: 0.6g French Ultramarine Blue/ 10 ml gum arabic solution / 10 ml 15% Potassium Dichromate / 2 drops Photoflo 600

Third layer: 0.5 g Lemon Yellow watercolor + 0.5 g Hansa Yellow watercolor  / 10 ml gum arabic solution / 10 ml 15% Potassium Dichromate / 2 drops Photoflo 600	Fourth layer: 0.4 g Rhodonite Genuine watercolor + 0.4g  Quinacridone Rose watercolor  / 10 ml gum arabic solution / 10 ml 15% Potassium Dichromate / 2 drops Photoflo 600

Two different versions from same negative and pigment set.  The variations are the result of different exposure times of the color layers.