Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Woods, Walk – Work

inspiration, monotype print / Linda Germain / December 15, 2020

I think as artists we are always “working.” This is because we are always seeing the world as a catalyst for creation.

Cups of tea and found botanicals informed this series of prints.

“Work” could be defined quite broadly and will different for everyone.

I found these masking stencils on my daily walks.

For me there are many steps to working:

Daily Habits – like writing morning pages
Image creation or capture – like photos and doodles
Studio play – when I start to put marks and materials together

Each step is valuable and serves a different purpose. I do think it is important to let each step have it’s own style of expression. And to remember that each step in it’s own way is part of the act of creation.

So a walk in the woods and doodling with morning coffee is an important part of the process that supports studio time.

Need help sticking to your studio practice, sometimes a class is a good place for ideas and support. Check out the current online workshops that I am offering.

Woods, Walk – Work Read More »

Do you have a design wall?

inspiration / Linda Germain / December 10, 2020

Do you have space in your studio for a wall that inspires you? Or where you can have a revolving art show of your own works?

Prints from the 100 Print Project Class

If you don’t have a space like that, see if you can make one.

Trace Monotypes from the See, DRAW, Print Class

When I finish a print or series of prints that I like, I want to look at them and enjoy.

My work from Books as ART Materials

Some artists make a design wall with a sheet of homasote. It is easy to pin papers to and moveable.

Gelatin Prints from the Simplify Class

Things to put on an inspiration/design wall:

Completed work
Series in process
Quotes
Goals
Reminders

I hope you have some space to claim as a design wall!

Do you have a design wall? Read More »

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!

Do you Dare? Read More »

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.

How do you make your Marks? Read More »

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.