Gelatin printmaking is a monotype process that is part planning and part happy accidents. The prints are truly one of a kind impressions.
My approach to gelatin plate printing is to print a lot so I can figure out what types of marks are possible. Then I try to combine certain kinds of marks to make dynamic and unique prints.
Even after all these years, I can end up with happy surprises. I used some planning to create the dark blue female figure and was pleased with how the orange and blue edge lined up on the right. I like how the plate ink makes the left side a bit less bright.
This one started as a series of brayered on geometric shapes with the idea of leaving some white on the paper. I did a little planning around framing up the grass element and was pleasantly surprised how the bold shapes and delicate impression combine to create a dynamic image.
This fern print was mostly planned and yet the elements of serendipity are the tiny white dots that run through the print. These are created by small holes in my gelatin plate. As the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate ages little defects can appear in the surface of the plate. I happen to love those defects.
This type of learning to plan our printed marks and support serendipity with new understanding is the approach we will be taking in my online printmaking classes. Check out the current workshops.
