Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Do you Dare?

artist book / Linda Germain / December 2, 2020

Do something different. See if it creates new possibilities in your art making.

I am preparing for the class, Make Marks. I was inspired to create this class because I wanted to use my art making skills to feel better.

I wanted to use tools that I have and that allow me to be spontaneous.

Those tools are:

gelatin plate, water based inks
found stamping tools
pens, pencils crayons and markers
simple relief blocks

They are all non-toxic and quick drying. So I can get into a flow and keep making marks without needing to wait for things to dry.

The hope is that the unique combination of marks will “tell a story”, elicit a feeling or make a connection.

The process is active and intuitive. A little Jackson Pollock, just on a smaller scale. Most of us don’t have the luxury of splattering buckets of paint.

So instead, I take the biggest piece of paper and scribble and make action marks with crayons. That is where the bravery comes in.

As an adult artist, can you scribble, splatter or tear?
What tools do you have that could be used to make some action/emotion marks?
I challenge you to try it and see what happens

I have chosen to then work these marked papers into a book. I love the book as art, because it it intended to be touched. It is intimate and precious.

I invite you to join us in the online class. I know this is a busy time of year, but some art making may give you a little peace.

Happy Printing!

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How do you make your Marks?

inspiration / Linda Germain / November 30, 2020

There are lots of ways to make marks.

Consider these questions in relation to how you approach mark making in your art work.

Do you like to make quick or slow lines?
Would you say your line is confident or cautious?
Are you planning marks or playfully making marks?
Is it all about the process of making or the product you make?
Do you prefer realistic or abstract?

There is no right answer. But it may be helpful to identify the approach and qualities that you prefer to use in your art making.

I like to make quick lines with confidence. I am usually all about a playful process of discovery that is mostly abstract with a bit of realism.

This helps me understand my default approach to mark making. And I know that if I can add some planning, or think about the end product or some slow lines to my project, it will expand my skills and expression.

Some of my favorite mark makers:

Action paintings of Jackson Pollock
Cy Twombly’s huge scribble paintings
Ellsworth Kelly’s plant drawings

If you would like to explore your mark making skills check out the current classes being offered.

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What is “Mark Making”?

mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / November 27, 2020

I think mark making is a freeing word, that encompasses everything from scribbling and finger painting to any style of drawing, printmaking and painting. It can be primitive and gestural or mechanical and controlled.

As artists, I think it is our task to figure out and express our own unique style of making marks. And one of the challenges is to trust yourself enough to develop your skills.

I love mark making that is:

spontaneous combination of patterns and textures
hand printed and immediate
uses simple and non-toxic tools

So the styles of mark making that I incorporate into my work are:

monotype printing with the gelatin plate
scribbles and expressive line drawings
lots of transparent layers

What kinds of marks do you like to make?
What kinds of tools are you drawn to using?
Would you like to try spontaneous and layered?

Check out the online classes being offered now.

Read more about styles of Mark Making in this guide from the TATE.

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Use what you have – Mark making tools

mark making tools / Linda Germain / November 23, 2020

I love finding tools that make interesting line, patterns and textures.

When used with the gelatin plate and a thin layer of ink, I can make some interesting impressions.

Testing stamping tools

Today I cut up a paper tube into 1/2 inch circles and glued them together to get a stamping tool that creates a delicate fine line.

I can use the tool to stamp into the thin layer of ink on the gelatin plate as in the photo below.

And then when there gets to be a thin layer of ink built up on the end of the tool, I can off print a delicate line style of mark.

I encourage you to explore your recycle bin for new “stamping tools”. If you would like some support in developing mark making skills, then check out the Make Marks + Books, workshop.

This online printmaking class is about embracing a light hearted approach to making many transparent layers, resulting in an artist’s book.

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Space and Time – art making

stamping tools / Linda Germain / November 20, 2020

I have been thinking about space and time these days.

Often open space and grand vistas can create a happy peaceful feeling. I think that is why I am drawn to the ocean’s edge and mountain top views.

But even on a much smaller scale, I use the space of a breath to sigh with relief.

In my printmaking, I do think a lot about the division of space. And I try to create interesting negative space. the open space around objects.

Often it is easy to fill the print with marks and impressions very quickly. And then we struggle to get back some open space.

Quiet, light areas of a print give the eye a place to rest and time for the viewer to add meaning. So if you can leave some open space, your viewers may enjoy your work longer.

Time

I like to do things that make it easy for me to take time to print.

Organize my work bench
And leave supplies out and ready to use
Know that even 20 minutes of mark making supports my practice

If you would like to take some time and explore mark making, while creating space for your viewer, then check out the workshop, MAKE MARKS.

If you think you are too busy, then it may be the perfect time to take this 3 lesson workshop. Taking time to make marks can be a great way to support your mental well being.

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