Add a focus to your gelatin print

mark making, monotype print / /

It is easy to make textured and patterned pieces of gelatin plate printed paper. This is a great way to get started with gelatin printmaking.

textured gelatin plate monotype prints

You can learn a lot about:

  • mark making tools
  • kinds of marks that are possible
  • what happens when you layer

These patterned papers can be used for collage or as foundations for a “finished” print.

gel plate prints by linda germain

In the class, Simplify, we use simple stencils like threads, circles and weeds to learn what is possible with ink and the gelatin plate.

gelatin plate print on paper

By working in a dark blue-black color scheme, we can easily layer impressions without the need to consider the color mixing affects of plate ink.

masking stencils for gelatin printmaking

I was thinking that I could add interest and a focus to some of the simplified prints and it might be another way to create a series of “finished” prints.

simplified gelatin plate monotype prints

So today, I pulled out some old weed and circle prints and added a dark focus with a stencil. I was pleased how it transformed the print.

Join us in the online class, Simplify – gelatin prints. Class starts March 1st. Read all the details on the workshop page.

 

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Feeling the chaos? Maybe simplify

inspiration, masking stencils, monotype print / /

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with ideas and then I can’t choose one to play with. Usually, I go for a walk to get some clarity.

simplified gelatin print

Then when I get back to the studio I have a 1-2-3 to do list. I like to have just three items on the list, that way I don’t get overwhelmed by a long list. When I finish the three activities, then I can make another list of 3.

gel plate print by linda germain

I think this helps to create a sense of accomplishment.

This idea of simplifying can be applied to gelatin printmaking too. I will often:

  • Limit my color palette to cyan and black – classic printmaking colors
  • Use just 3 to 5 stencils of different volume or line quality
  • Print on my standard size paper, so that the prints can be easily turned into books

mock cyanotype with gelatin plate

If you would like to explore simplifying your gelatin prints, then check out the details of the upcoming workshop and join us today. The online class starts March 1st.

less is more print

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Make a brown bag book

artist book, book arts, handmade books, inspiration, mark making, techniques / /

Today, I had the urge to make a brown bag book. I share with you my process so you can make some too.

brown bag art book

  • First I took the bag apart, so it was one flat sheet.
  • Then I ironed out the wrinkles
  • Painted white gesso over the store advertising
  • Added some bold black india ink marks
  • Cut into long 10″ strips (final size 6″ x 9″)

rough cut book pages

book pages

  • The cut the long 10″ strip into 6″ x 9″ sheets
  • Fold each in half and stack inside each other to make a single signature
  • Clip together and punch 3 holes in the spine
  • Follow video instructions to sew together

A couple of extra tips:

  1. It is ok if the pages are not perfectly the same
  2. Make sure your holes are big enough for easier sewing
  3. You can choose how you stack your sheets so you create a blank page spread and then a painted spread. Play with how you stack the sheets together to create a book that suits your style.
  4. Press with heavy weight to get it to lay flat

I hope you enjoy the process as much as I did. Check out the self study classes available now.

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Consider not knowing – OK

artist book, mixed media printmaking / /

Often I like to know how things are going to play out.

  • How the impression will print
  • How the marks will work together
  • How the colors will combine

black out poem

But this wanting to know ahead of time can stifle creative exploration. So I try to remind myself to:

“Let go and see what happens. It is only a piece of paper.”

gelatin monotype

When I can suspend the need to know and embrace the attitude of play, then new ideas often show up. It can take some time and warm up exercises to move beyond the need to know. That is one reason that I love the gelatin printmaking process. It is easy to grab:

  • a couple of stencils
  • stamping tools and
  • a stack of paper and start printing.

The feedback I get is immediate and I can quickly adjust my approach to change the results. I say if I get 2 out of 10 prints that I like then that is a success.

artist book

What about you? Do you allow yourself the space and time to venture into the unknown? Try it out next printing session and see what happens.

enzo in artist book

Check out the self study workshops that are available now. And jump into creating and not knowing.

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Make Marks Supplies List

book arts, drawings, handmade books, mark making, mark making tools / /

You can make interesting marks with simple tools. Enjoy this quick video.

 

In this online class we will layer marks to reveal a visual story. Read all the details on the workshop page.

The suggested supplies:

  • Gelatin plate – FREE recipe here
  • Speedball water based ink
  • brayer
  • paper of your choice – I like
    • 90 lb drawing paper 12″ x 18″
    • Rice paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″
    • Tracing paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″
    • I like these sizes and papers because I am making a long landscape shaped book, but you could do the techniques at any size. So use what you have
    • One large sheet of sturdy printmaking paper, watercolor paper or mixed media paper for the cover. I use Arnhem. But you can use what you have.
  • Cardboard
  • thin easy to cut craft foam sheets
  • set of small children’s blocks (dollar store)
  • water based markers
  • Variety of found mark making tools (see photo below)
  • glue
  • exacto knife
  • soft crayons

Hope to see you in class.

mark making into books

 

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