Quick relief plates – printing and playing

foam plate printmaking / /

I am exploring the possibilities of printing with soft relief plates and discovering new ideas each day!

foam plate relief prints linda germain

First I am working small but then combining the experimental impression to make bigger prints. The supports risk taking, because I don’t need every impression to be perfect. I can pick and choose the small images to be combined into the larger image.

relief print collage by linda germain

I love to work in a way that allows me to experiment and try new methods. If I am too afraid to make mistakes them I think my prints become dull and repetitive.

relief print by linda germain with soft foam plates

I am testing and experimenting with different kinds of foam and how to get them to hold the marks that I make in them.

I like to use recycled produce trays but the sticky back craft foam gives a nice smooth transfer of ink.

relief print on paper by linda germain

I am excited to combine the possible marks of these tools and plates into a unique expression.

If you would like to explore this non-toxic and low tech method of relief printing, then check out the details on the printmaking workshop page and join us. – The Soft Plate Relief Printing workshop available now.

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Use tools and supplies that allow creative experimentation

tools / /

One time I took an encaustic class and the teacher was known for using encaustic paints to create large 3d sculptures. And I wondered how she could possibly afford to work that way. Encaustic paint is expensive! In my mind that method of working would never be available to me.

Another time I found a video about a child who is known for large scale abstract paintings and thought to myself, “What if we all had the support and freedom to use all that paint?” Again I was limited by my belief that the art supplies were too precious to be use with abandon.

I am not saying that I wished my work was like either of these artist’s. My wish was that I could work as freely as they seemed to and to not be limited by expense or scarcity of supplies.

In many ways I think I have been able to adapt my process and give myself the freedom to create just as they do.

I use papers and inks and paints that are not precious to me. This gives me the space to make lots of “learning” prints. It gives me the opportunity to fail, discover and learn.

My most recent freeing art supply is index cards.

I use index cards for:

  • daily sketches
  • sketch book on a ring in my purse
  • test prints
  • landscape prints
  • relief prints

thumbnail landscapes from gelatin prints

I did a series of landscape prints and then cropped a few into this thumbnail study. Love it!

relief prints combined into large print

These are test prints from some new foam relief prints. I combined them into a larger print and I am pleased with the presentation.

index card sketches

The index card is the perfect size for sketches and I just slip them onto a binder ring and they are easily organized.

flower monoprint linda germain

Here I did some quick trace monoprints on a couple of index cards.

What supply could you use to support your own creative expression? What choices could you make to give your self the freedom to create from your unique voice?

traditional stencils for printmaking with the gelatin plateI even make quick stencils from index cards.

I challenge you to make a choice or decision today that supports your creative freedom!

 

 

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Inspiration into action – Do it!

inspiration / /

It is important to transform inspiration into action.

weeds as stencils for gelatin printing

I am often inspired by things that most folks would not even notice:

  • weeds in a crack in the street
  • shadow on a window
  • rust in an old piece of metal

I do just collect these ideas and impressions, but at some point they need to become more than mere inspiration.

gelatin print by linda germain

Today I enjoyed looking at patterns through the ages in a new book at the library.

I was amazing to see the CYMK color swatches to match each pattern or textile. They confirmed principles that I try to use:

  • range of value
  • variety and
  • repetition

I have been working my new inspirations into designs for soft foam printing plates.

soft foam relief printing plates

I encourage you to:

  • be open to inspiration that might be at your feet
  • take action
  • make something

Enjoy!

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Enjoy Ellsworth Kelly – abstract

drawings / /

I love the plant drawings that Ellsworth Kelly is known for.

 

But I found this short video that resonated for me.

I love his story about loving the windows of a space more than the paintings in the exhibit. I often see the reflection in an artwork more than the piece.

Shadows are always catching my eye, too

He says, Art needs time.

I think we make up the story/content when we give shadows, windows, relfections and abstract art time.

Do a search for an artist who inspires you and listen to him/her talk about art.

 

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Play with Gelatin Printmaking

monotype print / /

One way to approach a day of gelatin printmaking is to grab 3 stencils and a stack of paper and print with abandon.

make gelatin prints with masking stencils

I did that with a bird, branch and moon stencil. Enjoy the evolution of a series of prints.

I like to keep it simple and make tiny changes in ink or stencils or placement. Those tiny changes can make a big impact.

If you would like to explore gelatin printmaking with me, then join us in the online printmaking class, Make Monotypes .

It is a 4 week class in which we will print with ink on paper, using the gelatin plate.

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