How do you make your Marks?

inspiration / /

There are lots of ways to make marks.

playful mark making

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

  1. Do you like to make quick or slow lines?
  2. Would you say your line is confident or cautious?
  3. Are you planning marks or playfully making marks?
  4. Is it all about the process of making or the product you make?
  5. 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.

mixed media print

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.

artist book in progress linda germain

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:

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 / /

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.

stamp and draw marks

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.

make marks workshop linda germain

I love mark making that is:

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

artist book with hand printed marks

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

gelatin monotype with hand drawn marks

  • 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.

What is “Mark Making”? Read More »

Use what you have – Mark making tools

mark making tools / /

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

stamping tools for monotype printing

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

thumbnail project - linda germain

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.

paper tube stamping tool

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

stamped into mark gelatin printing

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.

stamped off mark gelatin printing

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 / /

I have been thinking about space and time these days.

sunset rye beach nh

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.

view Mt Major NH

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

gelatin plate print wit text

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.

make marks with simple tools

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

leave space set up for printmaking

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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Draw that Tree

inspiration / /

Have you heard of forest bathing? It is a thing. Check it out.

go to the woods for inspiration

My daily woods walks give me peace of mind. I often notice a solo tree deep in the woods.

This connection to nature is essential to my well being. Today, I thought let’s try to draw one of those trees that catch my attention.tree as subject matter

The challenge was intended to be fun and informative.

draw a tree

I really looked at the tree and tried to capture the way the branches drooped and the spaces between them. I tried pen, charcoal, watercolor and pastels. It was a process of looking and making marks in response to the tree.

I encourage you to try walking in the woods and then draw a tree. Maybe it will inspire your art making process. More inspiring ideas.

 

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