My modular method for collecting images for printmaking

I collect the images I use for my plates by watercolour painting en plein air. My sketch books are doing my head in. I like to use grounds - and I do this by making random grounds in my sketchbooks and then choosing appropriate ones on site - I now have loads of half finished sketch books - with interesting grounds that I rarely take with me becos they would all weigh too much and take up too much room. I can never find the images I want in these books. So I started making my own books with less pages (e.g. cliffs) - which was better- but not perfect - now have loads of little unfinished books. Another problem is my paintings were not the right size for my plates. So I have designed a modular system.

sketchbook number one - undo the paper clips and the paper can be easily
​removed or added to

Sketchbook no 2

The papers - at the moment I use 220gsm cartridge paper with a coating of white gesso - but I could put any papers in. I can experiment with different grounds because they will only be taken out if I think I will use them. They are the size of my two favourite plates with a 3cm margin along the left hand side where they will eventually be bound into a book.

Book 1 with plate

Book 2 with plate

Then I have 2 sizes of mounts which the plates/prints fit in - both mounts fit into standard IKEA frames. Giving people the choice of cheaper framing

Then when I am satisfied with my collection of images - I can make them into a completed book that is full and label them appropriately

The book opens out flat so if I want to I can trace my image

T'other one - t1wo books from a weeks plein air painting in Skye - I can find my images way hay

The end result - don't look at the buckling it will be removed. I am happy so far with my system