We are experimenting with a wide variety of substrates and techniques as we test the laser and are seeing varying degrees of success. Peter suggested I slop some gesso on a board and fire up the laser to see what might happen. Moth had some gesso handy, and it didn’t take long to dry. While two or three coats would have been ideal, I decided one coat would be plenty for an initial test. I picked an image of one of the sign concepts, and the gesso would allow for brighter colours when I hand-painted it. The image turned out nice and dark, and the laser cut out the sign perfectly. I mounted it to a refinished panel with some spacers and brought it into the house to paint up after supper. It’s been about twenty-six years since I had hand-painted the transparent inks, but it was like riding a bike. There’s nothing quite like hand-painting, complete with missed spots and runs. Even so, the result is magic. There is still some experimenting to go, but the sign series of limited edition prints will most likely be done in this fashion. Stay tuned…