Check out your local art scene

Haverhill, inspiration / /

I was recently encouraged to gather inspiration from local art options. I offer the idea to you. It is usually a quick and easy way to fuel your art practice.

art fuel your local center

You can search for:

  • Regional art associations
  • Art centers – that offer classes and more
  • Galleries and art exhibit venues like libraries
  • College galleries and continuing education classes

Then pick one to visit or join in for an activity. See who you meet and how you can be inspired.

cogswell art space

I recently helped with a clean up day for a local art center that is in the process of opening. Cogswell Art space is an old school that is becoming a new space for the arts in Haverhill. They are having a housewarming event October 19th and 20th.

I will be there on the 20th from 10 to 11AM doing a FREE gelatin printmaking demo.hand print cards with the gelatin plate

So the challenge for you is to look locally and see if you can find:

  • inspiration
  • support
  • other artists to create with.

Happy trails!

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

 

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Free Gelatin Printing Demo at the Cogswell Housewarming

Haverhill / /

linda germain gelatin printmaking in the greenhouse in winter

  • Gelatin Plate Monotype Printmaking Demonstration
  • by Linda Germain
  • Sunday, October 20th 10 AM to 11AM
  • Cogswell Artspace
  • 351 S. Main St, Haverhill, MA

Check out the amazing possibilities of gelatin plate printmaking. Linda will be printing with botanicals to make hand printed cards.

Gelatin printmaking is a non-toxic, low tech process that can be done in your home with just a few tools. It makes printmaking accessible to everyone from kids and grandparents to artists and teachers and therapists.

Come and experience this printmaking process first hand.

fern prints on the gelatin plate

Want to get started with Gelatin Printmaking at your own home? Get the free recipe below and watch a few videos.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

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Use Tyvek® to make strong stencils

stencils / /

Stencils are one of the main tools that I use when gelatin printing.

stencils made from tyvek for printmaking by linda germain

I use stencils to:

  • block the transfer of ink (masking stencil)
  • shape the transfer of ink through holes in the stencil(traditional hole stencil)
  • define and transfer ink in the shape of the masking stencil

A few years ago I took a class with Beatrice Coron, a paper cutting artist, who uses Tyvek® a lot. Check out her TED talk.

Since then I have enjoyed using Tyvek® stencils. And I think that the combination of strong Tyvek® stencils and malleable gelatin and glycerin plate allows for some unique mark making.

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

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Limits can create structure

Gelatin plate print / /

I am still pursuing the idea of simplifying my studio and printmaking process.

gelatin plate monotype print by linda germain

I started by cleaning my space and limiting my tools. This helps to clear my mind and start fresh.

fresh gelatin plate for printing

Once I get printing it is a challenge to keep the tools and space clear and clean. But I think that the time spent staying organized may create a fresh perspective.

When I first started gelatin printmaking, I started with simple stencils like threads and circles. These stencils still appeal to me. The “boundary” of these limited stencils open the way for a new level of abstract design.

Ask yourself:

  • Have you wondered away from your roots?
  • Could benefit from cleaning your workspace or tools?
  • Does the idea of simplifying appeal to you?

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

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Easier instructions – Make the Gelatin & Glycerin plate

gelatin plate care, monotype print / /

I am very pleased to share with you that I have simplified the instructions on how to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for making prints.

One of my students actually simplified the steps and has graciously given me permission to share with you her discovery.

supplies to make the gelatin and glycerin plate

I have found that I only need 3 boxes of gelatin, 2 bottles of glycerin and 2 cups of hot boiling water.

The new trick is to really let the gelatin and glycerin bloom, before adding the hot water. And then use the microwave or double boiler to finish dissolving.

You can get the full instructions and the video tutorial when you join the list.

If you are already on my list and you have lost the link and password, just start to fill out the box below as if you were joining, and you will get a message with the info that you need.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

If you are looking for some help making gelatin prints that you love, then you might be interested in the Gelatin Printmaking Workshop.

delicate gelatin plate monotype print

It is an online self study with more than 30 short videos teaching:

  • how to make and use stencils
  • find and alter stamping tool
  • control and modify inks
  • maintain the plate and much more.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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