Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Creating new habits

drawings / Linda Germain / July 19, 2023

Every so often my subject matter changes. I am usually drawn to:

Trees
Leaves and weeds
Text and fonts
Birds

However, I often will do a quick contour line self portrait.

But recently I have wanted to develop a loose line portrait style. So I have been playing in 4 sketchbooks and creating some sketches with varying degrees of satisfaction.

I am looking online and tried the Sktchy Museum app that has all kinds of portraits that I can use as reference. But they did not mean much to me and so I was not very interested in the drawing.

I also noticed that my subjects often have a sad expression. I looked closer at eyes and mouths to see what is involved in producing a happier expression. I am still learning.

So I searched my own photos and found some family members that I plan to use as a photo reference for my next set of sketches. I have more interest in these subjects, so hopefully I will want to put a little more effort into the drawing.

I am hoping that:

My seeing skills become stronger
My hand and eye become more coordinated
I learn ways to stylize elements of the portrait
I have fun doing it!

If you are looking for an online art class check out the self-studies that I am offering.

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Tiny house collage with book pages

I wanted to share a quick little collage project that I did with the margins of old book pages. This is a fun thing to make when you are stopped and don’t know where to begin.

Materials needed:

Book pages with various shades of white and yellow
Glue and scissors
Colored paper or book cloth
Pencil, pen or markers

I am sure you have most of these supplies in your studio. Watch the video and build a village!

If you would like to explore more ways to use books in your art practice, then check out the online course, Books as ART Materials. Class starts soon.

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Enjoy the hunt

altered books, collage, tools / Linda Germain / June 9, 2023

I recently realized that, I enjoy the hunt when making mixed media pieces. It is the process of sorting through papers and materials to find a pleasing combination that is most fun.

I like to use old books as art materials. And going to a library book sale is a treat. I like the last day when I can fill a bag with books for a few dollars. If you want to find a book sale near you check out this website. These are books that are headed to the recycle bin, so no reason to feel guilty.

I love gently taking the spine apart and revealing the materials that make up the spine of the book. These treasures make unique collage materials.

Every book is different and has something special to offer. Some books are good for black out poems.

It is fun to hunt for words that when combined give new meaning to the page. Recently, I realized that it matters to me what the book is about. Even though I am not reading the books and using them for their intended purpose the words matter. I want words to peek through and to draw the view in.

Another hunting expedition that I enjoy is finding mark making tools. I love to find a tool that I can dip into ink or paint and make patterned paper or delicate inked marks. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn’t.

Making a collage is a lot of hunting and deciding what to keep and what to let go.

Ask yourself:

Do you hunt for materials and ideas in your art process?
Do you enjoy the hunt?

Consider joining me in Books as ART Materials, a mixed media online class. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Try something new or different

collage, drawings, inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / May 31, 2023

I have been making painted pages and collages lately. It is a bit new and different for me.

Experimenting with a new technique or material can breathe new life into your art making practice. It might be a great way to stimulate ideas for your next series or project.

Or you could find a way to integrate new skills into your traditional practice.

Are you inspired by images that you see online? Ask yourself what is the quality that you admire and then see if there is a way to bring that quality into your work.

It could be:

the subject matter
the shape, color or simplicity or
the medium or format

I encourage you today play with something new or different and then notice if it stimulates something in your practice.

An art class is one way to try something new, check out the current workshops and see if any are a good fit for you.

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Find things that feel good

inspiration, mark making / Linda Germain / May 23, 2023

Lately, I have been noticing and choosing habits and tools that feel good. For example, I have experimented with different book forms for my sketchbook. And the one that suits my approach to sketch booking is a soft cover coptic stitch 4.5″ x 6″.

This book is:

small enough to carry on my daily walks
flexible and can be folded to lie flat on any page
expands a bit to accommodate some collage

I have been looking for soft drawing tools that make strong marks with not too much pressure required.

I found:

a black gel pen at the dollar tree store that flows smoothly and is water resistant
black sharpie gives a bolder line with little effort
Crayola watercolor pencil is easy to make marks with
China markers require a little more effort but I like the water resistant quality

I am trying on the daily practice of drawing enso, Zen circles, the meditative circle drawing in a single exhale. I like the idea of connecting with my breath. Now, I have a lot of black circles, so I have been playing with adding color for fun. I experimented with different brushes, to find one that felt good in my hand and created an expressive line.

Even trying out new habits is a way of finding ways to feel good. I often start a method, and then tweak it to my liking. That is why I am playing with adding color to my Ensos.

I encourage you to look at your mark making tools and habits and ask:

Does this feel good? Can I do this with ease? And find little things that work for you.

Sometimes an art class can stimulate new habits, if that interests you then check out the current online art classes.

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