Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

daily doings

inspiration, studio / Linda Germain / March 21, 2025

How do you get started in your art practice each day? I have a couple of tasks that get me going each day.

One, I pull random angel cards and write the words in my sketchbook.

I think a little how those ideas could guide my day. Then I make a list of 3 things that I could do. My default list is

20 minutes of making
20 minutes of cleaning
20 minutes of draft writing

This list feels doable and gets me going when I am not sure where to start. I use it as a guide rather than a strict rule. Often I will be in the flow of one activity and just extend the time for another 20 minutes.

It is an amazing little way to gently trick myself into action. I remind myself that it is a tool to get me into action.

A couple of things can happen:

I just do the 20 minutes for each task
or I am stimulated into an hour or more on a single task and I am pleased with my accomplishments
or I get a new idea and move into gentle action

I use the 20 minute timer on my phone and I feel quite accomplished when I end up putting in several hours.

The 1-2-3 list is about starting the activities. Once I get going it is sometimes easier to keep going for another 20 minutes and finish the task.

I would think you could craft the 1-2-3 list to meet your goals. What activities would you include? Reading, writing, sorting, purging, walking, napping, yoga, anything goes.

A reminder: Save On the Torn Trees class for the month of March. Now only $50 Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Easy is fun – make marks

combined techniques, drawings, mark making / Linda Germain / March 14, 2025

I think of the freedom that some children have when making art. They seem to be so intensely in the moment and making marks with ease.

I think of ways that I could have that type of presence in my art making.

Easy repetitive marks
Using “kids” supplies like crayons
Call it done after just a few marks
And then get another piece of paper

How do you get into a kid like flow?

One kid like tool that I have been exploring is the bingo dauber. I can make lots of dots really fast. And I can use it to make primitive drawings with broad lines.

Can you think of ways to make art with the presence and joy of a child? I offer you that challenge.

If you love the woods and use the forest as inspiration consider taking the mixed media class, Torn TREES- It is on sale this March for only $50.USD.

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Sketchbook a safe place?

artist book, sketchbook ideas / Linda Germain / March 10, 2025

Is your sketchbook the safe place that everyone suggests that it is? For me, I would have to say sometimes. Other times I have sketchbook envy. 🙂

Even after all these years, I am not a natural sketchbooker. And that is my primary art making activity these days. I am filling boxes and boxes of handmade sketchbooks with all sorts of bindings and marks.

I have so many that I can see trends and periods of focus. I am finding this looking back and noticing to be informative.

I have noticed:

how I have tried many bindings and found one that works for me
a reminder of classes I took and techniques that I have tried
that over time the sketchbook has become a safer place to play with mark making

At one time, I made hard cover books that seemed too precious to use for a sketchbook practice. Many of them are still unused.

I also have a sense of urgency to complete a sketchbook. And when I do finish it, I like to hold it and look through the pages. I have been filling a sketchbook about once a month. They are 6″ x 6″ pages and 84 in a book.

Things that make my sketchbook feel like a safe place:

don’t share it with others
know that I can collage over that ugly page
try new things without much expectation
look back at old sketchbooks and be impressed

If you would like to fill some sketchbook pages with abstract forests, then checkout the featured class, Torn Trees. It is on sale for the month of March, was ~~$75~~. now only $50.

12 lessons, 17 videos and lots of fun!

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The Woods Inspires Mark Making

monotype print / Linda Germain / March 4, 2025

Trees are one of my go to subjects. They are easy to abstract and fun to create.

I get my inspiration from my walks in the woods, but I also see amazing old trees every where.

I can be fun to try to capture the likeness of that favorite tree.

Sometimes I get close and notice the texture of the bark and things growing there, moss, ivy, bittersweet, and the like.

The look and feel of the tree changes with the seasons. Winter offers bare branches and monochromatic color. In the spring I notice fresh green and red buds fill the branches. Summer is a lush canopy of greens. And the Fall can be a riot of brilliant colors.

I have wanted to capture “that” tree in all of its seasons, but just have not done it yet.

This admiration of trees lead me to create the Torn Tree Workshop. It is about making abstract forests with simple printmaking and drawing techniques. This month of March I am offering this 12 lesson class for only $50. USD. Check out the details.

I like to combine my woods walks and my art inspiration.

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Change up your routine

artist book, inspiration, mark making / Linda Germain / February 25, 2025

Today I walked on the wintery beach, instead of the snowy woods by the lake. Gosh, I am so lucky to have these places to walk.

It is a 20 minute drive to the beach and only two minutes to the woods trail. And I am glad that I changed it up today. It was high tide which left a fresh trail of shells, seaweed and driftwood.

I followed a flock of sandpipers along the shore. I breathed in the salty air and enjoyed the ocean waves. On the way back I collected some driftwood sticks for an upcoming art project.

This change of scenery gave me a fresh start to the day. I encourage you:

to walk a new route,
notice the beauty,
and let it feed your creative day.

Just a reminder you can save $25. on the Make Marks + Books class until the end of February – now only $60. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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