Gyotaku (fish printing) is a Japanese art form from the 1800s which is an unusual and lovely way to gain appreciation for the beauty and variety of nature. A finished piece might be confused for a fossil impression or a graceful Japanese ink drawing. Whereas the fish is the traditional subject used for Gyotaku, one can expand the genre to include frogs, lizards, snakes, feathers and such.

Nature Printing is at least 800 years old and was described by Leonardo da Vinci. It amazes everyone that you can get such a marvelous imprint by painting a leaf and turning it upside down on a piece of paper. When you carefully rub the back, the ink is transferred to the paper. Lift away the leaf and you have a terrific design that looks like a fossil. Today I use both of these processes on my handmade papers for variety and distinction. Prices start at $20.

Today I use both of these processes on my handmade papers for variety and distinction. See More Arts and Media for further info.