Go to the place that inspires you to create – often

monotype print / /

be inspired by nature

Even if the places that inspire you do not directly correlate with the art that you are making. The visit to your special place will feed your energy.

These places of inspirations can be:

  • the woods
  • the beach
  • the library
  • an art show
  • a museum

Just get there! Is is important for your practice to fill the well with images and energy.

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Tools I like for making the Gelatin Plate

gelatin plate tips / /

I have made a lot of gelatin plates for printmaking over the last 10 years. But since I have started using the gelatin and glycerin and water recipe, I only make one or 2 plates a year.

The basic recipe and concept is simple. Dissolve gelatin in water and let it harden.

tools for making the gelatin and glycerin plate for printmaking

I like to use:

  • glass bowl that fits in the microwave or on a pan as a double boiler
  • 4 quart glass measuring cup is nice for pouring with control
  • cheesecloth or tarlatan for catching lumps and gunk
  • plastic cup to hold gelatin powder just prior to mixing
  • aluminum pan for shaping the plate
  • rubber spatula for dissolving the gelatin
  • wooden sticks as spacers for a double boiler

pour the gelatin plate

I like the way the gelatin plate transfers marks, that is why I go through the steps to make the plate, rather than use the commercially produced gel plates.

Need the FREE recipe and instructions? Get it here.

If you want to explore all the possibilities of printing with the Gelatin and glycerin plate, then join us in the next session of Make Monotypes. Class starts soon.

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Use up your Art Supplies

tools / /
  • Do you generously use up your art supplies?
  • Or do you hoard and save them?

speedball ink for gelatin printmaking by linda germain

Ink is one supply that I think you should use up!  As most inks age they change and sometimes don’t work as well as when they are fresh.

Monoprints by Linda Germain

Piles of prints with potential – are good things to use up rather than just save them for the perfect project.

ezscreen photo emulsion screen

If you work with photo emulsion screens, like the EZscreen above then you definitely want to use them before they expire. They have a shelf life of about 6 months and then the emulsion starts to harden and they are no good.

I challenge you to bravely use up some supplies and maybe even toss out some things that are no longer useful.

Enjoy!

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