Black on Black: a work in progress

A new reduction print of blackbirds on blackberries. It's a large block for me - 450 x 450mm. Here are few progress pics showing my process.

The concept sketch, putting random thoughts together (pic 01)

The cutting guide on tracing paper with colour values indicated by markers (pic 02)

The first line transfer by white carbon paper, sealed with watered-down acrylic paint. I use red because the contrast with the cut lino makes it easier to see where I'm going (pic 03)

White areas cut away. The yellow patches are the first print layer (pic 04)

Second print layer, a pale olive green (pic 05)