Do you look or SEE?

drawings, inspiration, mark making / /

Making art is about seeing. We use the sense of sight all day, and yet do we really see much?

Look longer to SEE

The more I practice drawing and art making the more I know that it all is based on:

  • slowing down
  • looking long and closely
  • and training my hand to translate what my eyes are really seeing.

I think that it helps to think of seeing as a muscle/athlete in training. It is a skill that can be honed, focused or shaped.

berries drawing Linda Germain

We are so fortunate to live in this world with its abundant feast for our eyes. The challenge for the artist is to edit and find unique focus.

Things that I have been SEEING lately:

  • Shapes on roof tops and steeples
  • Different fonts
  • Autumn berries and twigs

I have complied some of my SEEING practices into a class, Creating Habits. This online workshop will run January 7 to 13, 2022. Check out the details and join us.

collage skyline sketchbook practice

 

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Making for the mind

artist book, collage, drawings, inspiration / /

I have been playing with drawing and collage lately. I can do these activities while I watch a funny show or listen to upbeat music.

sketchbook habits and ideas

Printmaking is a bit more physical and takes more focus.

delicate gelatin plate monotype print by linda germain

Am I tired? Hmmm? Am I looking for a more relaxing making activity?

collage and drawing ideas for sketchbook practice

I am not sure. I don’t think this was a conscious decision. But in the process I have embraced some processes that are relaxing and fun. And I think that these new practices are developing my seeing and design skills.

soft cover coptic stitch book

For more art making habits check out this post on Ways to motivate. Enjoy!

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Where to do find source material?

inspiration / /

Sometimes, I just stare at my phone. Which app will fill the moment?

phone for inspiration

Hmm, that is kind of scary to me. Looking to  some “curated”  system to entertain me in the moment. So I have created a way to inspire myself with my own photos.

camera roll for ideas

It may sound silly but I scroll through my camera roll instead of Instagram or Facebook. I am in charge or what I see and I am reminded of my process and success.

annotate your photo to inspire

I have annotated a few images with words and put them in a favorites folder.

silhouette cast shadows

I often use cast shadows of grasses and leaves in my drawing practice.

A quick scroll through my images reminds me of the fun I have had over the last few weeks. And how much art work I have produced.

I offer this idea to you.

Maybe your life,

  • your environment,
  • your family, and
  • your own camera roll can be a source of art making ideas.

Try it!

One way I have used photos as source material is to make stencil. Check out this blog post.

Where to do find source material? Read More »

Time to admire – gelatin printmaking

gelatin print tips, mixed media printmaking, monotype print / /

Gelatin Printmaking can be fast and furious. The process lends itself to pulling lots of prints and layers with minimal preparation.

abstract landscapes Linda Germain

It is easy to get lost in the process.

print cards with the gelatin plate

I often tell my students that it can be like a roller coaster of ups and downs. I may pull several pleasing impressions to be followed by several ugly prints.

gelatin prints by linda germain

To enjoy the roller coaster ride of gelatin printmaking:

  1. Know ahead of time that there will be prints you like and others you don’t
  2. Focus on the things you like, rather than the problems
  3. Take time to admire your successes. Pin it to the wall, stand back and enjoy.

Another tool I use to create success in my printmaking, is to embrace the 80/20 rule. If I get 2 outstanding prints out of 1o then I consider it a success. Those 8 other prints inform and create space for the magical pieces that I really love.

grass print by linda germain

If you want to create more pleasing gelatin prints, then join us in the online class, Monochromatic Mountains. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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3 reasons to take an online art class

inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

I love taking art classes in person and online.

art workshop

When I need some inspiration for my art practice taking a class often helps me generate new ideas. Often the class is a new subject or technique. Or sometimes I take a class because I love the teacher and her philosophy stimulates my process.

workspace - linda germain

Recently, in person options have been limited, so online art classes have been my choice.

mountain scapes

Online workshops are great because:

  1. I have access to the lessons right from the comfort of my studio. No travel, traffic or parking challenges. I have all my tools readily available and I don’t have to pack up or lug supplies to the workshop location.
  2. More bang for my buck. Online classes are often much less expensive than an in person class. Also I enjoy the benefits of feedback and encouragement from a wider group of classmates. Influences of an international group of students in online classes is unique.
  3. I don’t have to take notes or worry about missing key skills. Most online workshops are downloadable or have lifetime access. So I can watch videos and do lessons over and over again. And each time I learn something new from the same material.

I hope I have encouraged you to check out online art classes to inspire and support your art practice.

If you are interested check out the current online art classes that I am offering.

monochromatic Mountains

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