Following the success of the slopes and distance in 'Winter Pool' I finally made a print depicting one of the mountain bike trails. It turned out it's a view of Red 25 (the red trails are the hardest and they're all numbered) which is one of the steepest and most fun (so I'm told). I feel it's important to explore this aspect of the forest since when I say where my prints are depicting people frequently know the forest through the mountain bike scene there.
I took some liberties with the steepness of the surrounding hillsides but kept the general direction of the trail fairly accurate. It was pointed out that what I've depicted is completely un-ridable as the corners slope the wrong way. I know the path is too wide in the distance given the narrowness of the trees as well - something to bear in mind in the future. I must do some more sketching, really paying attention to the perspective of the trees as they recede.
I was really pleased with the effect the caustic soda produced on the path and the light in the distance at the bottom of the foliage. I wonder whether I should have added some more foliage in the nearer trees, it would be more realistic but may detract from the track which is the main focus. I also wonder whether having the slanted horizon line going the same way as the track means the whole image falls too far to the left.
I finished it off by etching the nearest four tree trunks and inking them up very thinly just to add a little hint of texture and colour. I left the foreground foliage unetched but inked it lightly and dabbed lots of the ink off so again, there was just a hint. I think it's one of those details that it barely noticeable but actually makes rather a difference to the final image.
I'm pleased with how this turned out but want to explore the tracks further and focus on getting the two blocks to mesh better next time - there should have been more dark areas at the base of the trees!
I'm really excited about getting some spring colours out!