Support Serendipity – gelatin printmaking

techniques / /

Gelatin printmaking is a monotype process that is part planning and part happy accidents. The prints are truly one of a kind impressions.

gelatin plate prints by linda germain

My approach to gelatin plate printing is to print a lot so I can figure out what types of marks are possible. Then I try to combine certain kinds of marks to make dynamic and unique prints.

monotype print of female figure

Even after all these years, I can end up with happy surprises. I used some planning to create the dark blue female figure and was pleased with how the orange and blue edge lined up on the right. I like how the plate ink makes the left side a bit less bright.

weed and block monotype print

This one started as a series of brayered on geometric shapes with the idea of leaving some white on the paper. I did a little planning around framing up the grass element and was pleasantly surprised how the bold shapes and delicate impression combine to create a dynamic image.

monotype fern print by linda germain

This fern print was mostly planned and yet the elements of serendipity are the tiny white dots that run through the print. These are created by small holes in my gelatin plate. As the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate ages little defects can appear in the surface of the plate. I happen to love those defects.

This type of learning to plan our printed marks and support serendipity with new understanding is the approach we will be taking in my online printmaking classes. Check out the current workshops.

installation of gelatin plate prints

 

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Choose paper as part of your print design

monotype print / /

Recently, I have had a few questions about the print paper for my new class 100 Print Project, an online gelatin printmaking workshop.

gelatin prints on book pages

That got me thinking about paper choices for gelatin printmaking. I usually print on smooth and absorbent 90 lb. drawing paper. It picks up ink details nicely and is inexpensive, so I can print freely without concern for cost of paper.

Another paper that I have used is 67 lb. cover stock from Staples. This paper absorbs the ink nicely, but is a little too smooth for my liking.

I like printing on white washed book pages too. This involves some extra steps, but I love the way that slightly obscured text can draw the viewer into the piece.

white washed book pages for gelatin printing

So if you are thinking about joining the online printmaking class, the 100 Print Project, then consider what you would like to say with your choice of printing paper. Can you think of another paper that you could use?

delicate gelatin print on book page

The 100 Print Project class is about printing small and consistently to develop your own person style or message with a large series of prints. When you take the time to make and display 100 prints, you will see new meaning and messages in your work.

gelatin plate monotype prints on tea bags

  • What do you think you are saying with your prints?
  • What do you want to say?
  • Does it matter?

For me, it is all about the process of collecting materials, experimenting with those papers, tools and stencil to make a print that is pleasing to me.

gel plate monotype print by linda germain

  • What materials inspire you?
  • What is an important part of your process?
  • Do you display and admire your work?

Happy Printing!

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New Class – 100 Print Project

Gelatin plate print / /

I am so excited to share the new class that I have created. It is the 100 Print Project.

installation of gelatin plate prints

I think that this gelatin printmaking class will appeal to veteran printmakers and newbies alike. We will use some fundamental design skills, like value and shape to create 100 or more pleasing prints.

gel plate monotype prints by linda germain

I have always believed that the more prints you make the happier you are with the results. And in this 2 week online workshop we will make delicate layers and bold shapes to create a gallery worthy installation of monotype prints.

monotype gelatin prints by linda germain

We will use the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate, water based block printing inks and 5″ x 7″ paper. The combination of these tools works to keep the ink alive and to transfer delicate details to the paper.

If this sounds interesting to you then, read all the details on the printmaking workshop page and join us today.

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Lots of light layers – Gelatin Printing

gelatin print tips / /

I have been exploring the basics of brayering and layering in gelatin printmaking.

fern prints by linda germain

One of the important concepts is to print thin layers from light to dark.

layered monotype print by linda germain

Another way I create interest is to print on only parts of the plate. That allows for lots of crisp colors.

use stencils for gelatin printmaking

I also think that stencils of different line quality and shape help to create interest.

The most important thing is to print a lot and be willing to experiment.

If you need the recipe to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for gelatin printmaking – get it here.

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Drawing and doodles – Just do it!

drawings / /

I know that I have said, I don’t like drawing and that is still true. It is not a thing, that I love to do. But it is kind of like exercise, I am really glad I did it when it is over.

make your drawings work for you

Art teachers will tell you that drawing is the foundation of all art making. That can be discouraging if you don’t like to draw or don’t like how you draw.

sketchbook drawings linda germain

So here are a couple of thought patterns to get around the resistance to drawing:

  • Expand your definition of “good” drawing
  • Embrace scribbles, gestures and line drawing to begin with
  • Less is more – try simple contour drawings
  • Cover up a drawing in your sketchbook that really bothers you with collage
  • Make your drawings “go father”, use them as a printmaking matrix

Mostly, find a way to trick yourself into liking the drawings that you are doing, so you will be willing to draw more. Then you will natural improve.

doodling is drawing

Doodles are drawings too!
hair sketches can be fun

Have you ever tried “hair sketches “? It can be surprisingly fun. Just draw the hair of people you observe in person, on TV or in a picture. Do it fast and loose and have fun.

drawings can become screens for printmaking

Here the flower drawing became and ezscreen for screen printing and the bird is a trace monoprint on rice paper. This way I have given my drawings new life.

So I encourage you to find ways to be happy with your drawings as you build your skills.

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