SEE draw Print – a 30 day challenge

fabric prints / /

I am going to SEE, draw and print something each day in November. Those 30 day challenges always seem like a fun idea, let’s see how it goes.

leaf stamp carved from an eraser

I just took a Block Printing on Fabric class with Jen Hewett. So I had all the tools ready to carve a tiny leaf block. I found the little leaf for inspiration on my walk. It is very satisfying to see, draw and print from something I found.

I did a blue test print with a water based marker. It is a quick way to test the block and see if I want to remove more of the block.

hand printed fabric by Linda Germain

Then I printed around the edge of this lime green towel. Definitely has an autumn feel to it.

So for my 30 days of printing, I will be doing some trace monoprinting, gelatin printmaking, stenciling, maybe screen printing and more block printing.

Check Instagram for #SeeDrawPrint

Enjoy!

SEE draw Print – a 30 day challenge Read More »

Abstract Landscapes with the Gelatin Plate

monotype print / /

It is fast and easy to make a series of abstract landscapes when you are printing with the gelatin plate.

abstract landscape by linda germain

Today I used the principle of range of value and dynamic division of space to pull a few monotype printed landscapes. I got several prints that I can crop and frame and turn into holiday gifts.

If you would like to make some holiday gifts, and explore the abstract landscape and you would like some help building your design and compositional skills, then you are in luck!

Check out the current printmaking workshops.

Abstract Landscapes with the Gelatin Plate Read More »

Add a focal point and finish some prints

monotype print / /

It is easy to get caught up in the process of gelatin printmaking. It is fast and spontaneous. I will often pull many prints and not really have any one print that is finished.
various mixed media prints by linda germain

Add a focus to complete your print

One way to complete a print is to add a focus. Ask your self:

  1. What is the print saying?
  2. Does it have a feel?
  3. What kind of mark would compliment and complete the print?

Sometimes it is easy to answer those questions and other times the print is just in its infancy.

Monotype Print with glycerin plate by Linda Germain
surprise layers

This print above was just a blue and black “newsprint” pick up. And by added the black figure I created a focus and also embraced the design principles of variety and repetition.

Printing design principles

My suggestion to you is:

  • notice how your eye travels around the print
  • allow for surprise
  • aim for a dynamic range of values from very light to very dark
  • limit your tools (don’t try to do everything) in one print
  • give yourself time and space to develop your design skills
  • simplify, simplify simplify

crop and complete monoprinted cards

If you would like to explore printmaking – check out the current online printmaking classes.

 

Add a focal point and finish some prints Read More »

Gathering prints in progress

monotype print / /

Today I went around my studio gathering up all the prints that I have done this year. I am getting ready to to sort through and finish a few for the holidays.

monotype prints by linda germain

I really am a process person. I love figuring out how to make printmaking techniques work for me. There is a lot of trial and error, but that is the fun part for me. So there are plenty of less than pleasing prints in the process.

Monoprints by Linda Germain

I say to myself, if I get 2 good prints out of 10 that I make then I am doing good. I think it takes time to get to know the inks, paper, and materials and how they all work together.

various mixed media prints by linda germain

I try to give myself permission to fail fast and often. That way I get closer to success sooner. Now that I have my prints all together, I can sort through and put them:

  1. Love it!  Done ready to mat and frame.
  2. Needs a little something to call it complete
  3. Paper with potential, yet needs collage, cropping  or a lot more layers.

I challenge you to gather all your art, prints, drawings from this past year in one space and sort through them. See what you discover.

Check out current classes being offered.

Gathering prints in progress Read More »

Simple Printmaking Technique

stamping tools / /

Sometimes simple is the most powerful and has the most impact. Think of famous logos, Nike, Apple and Amazon.

tiny hand made stamps for repeat printing

I like to use inexpensive and everyday items in my printmaking process as well. So for this easy printmaking process I used:

  • set of smooth sided alphabet blocks $1
  • Sticky back foam
  • scisosrs
  • pencil
  • waterbed colored markers

sketchbook to develop ideas for printmaking

I traced the block and did a bunch of sketches while I was watching TV. But these sketches were to complex for me to cut out of the easy to use sticky back foam. I had to go even simpler!

Hand stamped pattern

I learned a lot about simplifying my marks:

  • Use the edge of the block for reference
  • If it is too complex, just remove the foam and start over
  • Think about shapes
  • Think about how they can fit together
  • Use the negative and positive shapes.

homemade foam stamp

If you would like to explore added stamped marks to your papers or prints and creating some printed gifts, then check out the details of the new online printmaking course, Printed Gifts, get the Free origami Box tutorial too.

Simple Printmaking Technique Read More »