Why use a Newsprint Pick up in Gelatin Printing?

What the heck is a Newsprint Pick up?

I am glad you asked. I use the term newsprint pick up a lot, when I talk about  printmaking on the glycerin and gelatin plate.

I simply place newsprint over the gelatin to pick up unwanted plate ink.  I don’t rub with the newsprint.  I just lay it down flat and burnish with my hand.  I do this over and over again with clean newsprint to pick up unwanted ink. You could use copy paper or other inexpensive paper to do the job.

The purpose of the newsprint pick up is to increase the contrast of your marks.  It is a process, that you can use or choose not to use when making monotype prints.  It gives you options.  I gives you some control over an unpredictable process.

Steps to using a newsprint pick up:

1. Pull your shaped impression.  This skill affects the detailed impression
2. Leave the stencils in place
3. Try not to move them
4. Place the newsprint on top of the stencils
5. Burnish with your hand
6. Again try not to move the stencils
7. Repeat this as many times as necessary to remove the unwanted plate ink.

You did it!

• Then remove the stencils
• Pull your detailed impression

You should see a difference like the prints below.  The monotype print on the right is a detailed impression without a newsprint pick up and the one on the left is with the newsprint pick-up.

Check the current workshop list for a class that would interest you.