Video – Simplify – online printmaking class

monotype print, stamping tools / /

I wanted to share this quick video, so you could get an idea of the skills you will learn in the Simplify – Powerful Gelatin Prints class.

In this class we will:

  • Use limited colors to ease layering
  • Modify and choose stencils to create delicate impressions
  • Explore stamping tools to create texture
  • Play with Mock Cyanotypes

READ all the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Produce play – pears

drawings, inspiration / /

Let the fruits and veggies of the season inspire your artwork today.

pears to inspire drawings

I arranged my “models” (pears) at eye level and started sketching with a nub of soft charcoal. You could do something similar.

  1. Gather colorful produce
  2. Arrange in an easy to see manner
  3. Grab your favorite drawing tool
  4. Capture the essence

draw pears with charcoal and water color

If you take pictures then you will have drawing references even after the produce is gone. Enjoy!

If you are looking for a quick gelatin printmaking class that will help you to pull some powerful prints, then check out the details of the online workshop, SIMPLIFY.

simplify gelatin prints with threads and circles

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Simple does not mean easy or boring

inspiration / /

Simple is not necessarily easy or uninteresting. I think of these qualities:

  • clear
  • honed to the essentials
  • free from ornamentation
  • readily understood/admired

gelatin print by linda germain

Often it is challenging to hone something down to its essential elements and still maintain meaning. In gelatin printmaking there is so much excitement, energy and possibility that it can be hard to embrace the less is more idea.

print with grasses linda germain

I offer you this challenge to gain clarity and insight into your printmaking style try one of these ideas:

  • Use 3 or less stencils
  • Print with blue/black ink
  • Try to include light whites and dark blacks in your prints

gel print monotype linda germain

You may notice that you resist these boundaries. That could be a good thing. Or you could create a boundary of your own and see what insights evolve.

If you would like the structure of a class to help you simplify your gelatin printmaking then check out the details of the online class.

speedball water soluble block printing ink for gelatin printmaking

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2 Gelatin Printing Tips

gelatin print tips / /

When I first started gelatin printmaking, it was all about playing with the tools and discovering what kind of marks where possible.

gelatin prints in artist book

Recently, I noticed that I play less and have more expectations. I decided that  I would benefit by getting back into that beginner’s mind of play and discovery.

gel print with grasses

Ways that I embrace more play:

  • Use non-precious paper – like 90 lb drawing paper
  • If I think it, then try it
  • Use non-usual colors
  • Try to suspend judgement
  • Allow what happens
  • Don’t expect to have a lot of perfect prints
  • Give myself time to warm up and get in the flow

gelatin printmaking monotype

Discovery happens when I:

  • Test out new grasses and weeds
  • Flip through a pile of prints to notice what I like
  • Make lots of mistakes and understand what is not working
  • Move beyond what I already know

Some playful discoveries I have recently made:

  1. Compiling lots of prints into an “I wish” journal (above)
  2. Direct printing into my sketchbook pages (first image above)
  3. Found some new grasses that I like (orange image above)
  4. Added delicate ghost images to an accordion book (below)

ghost prints in artist book

Gelatin printmaking can be a satisfying form of expression. If you want the recipe to make your own gelatin plate, then get it here.

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Daily doings – art habits

monotype print / /

Do you have daily habits or rituals in your art practice?

watercolor blobs

I like to try out new skills and techniques, and then decide if they fit into my art making practice.

mixed media book

Some things I have tried lately:

  • stylized bird doodles
  • painting watercolor blobs
  • geometric patterns
  • rusting paper
  • found word poems
  • fill in the blank

fill in the blank journal

I think my habits change and new habits lead to new work. I am enjoying the soft cover coptic stitch sketchbook.

soft cover coptic stitch bound book

I make a new one every few weeks. I noticed that how I fill the pages has changed. The one constant is the plant silhouette.

silhouette of plant

I encourage you to:

  • try out new habits/techniques
  • look back at your work
  • notice your constant (signature) mark making style
  • Celebrate your discoveries

If you would like to explore some new techniques and book forms, then join us in the online Mixed Media Retreat. Read all the details on the workshop page. Class to be scheduled.

sketchbook linda germain

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