Try it! – Gelatin printing and more

mixed media printmaking / /

Today, I found these rubbing plates at the Dollar Tree Store.

Rubbing plates for printmaking without a press

I brought them back to the studio and started to play.  There were 3 different flower plates. I like how one of the designs prints up.

rubbing plate and the gelatin plate for making monotypes

I played with using both sides of the plate to see what different types of details and impressions would result.

gelatin prints with rubbing plate

Then I tested out a crayon to make line drawings.

use a wide crayon to make rubbings

It was a bit chaotic, all the over printing. So I simplified the background and let the line drawing be the focus.

layered gelatin plate monotype prints

The take away from my process was:

  1. Play
  2. think it = try it
  3. let go of the things I do not like
  4. work parts of the plate
  5. leave open or quiet space
  6. simplify
  7. allow a focus

I invite you to try those 7 steps in your next printing session! Enjoy.

If you want to print and play with me and gelatin printmaking in the new year, then join us in Make Monotypes, 4 week online gelatin printing class. READ the details on the workshop page.

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Just pull some prints!

monotype print / /

It is ok to print with the same colors and subject matter! All the famous artists do it.

pull some gelatin prints

I love blue and yellow. And I really love printing with thin flat weeds and grasses.

gelatin prints are fun!

Today I challenged my readers to pull 10 prints.  I often do this for myself when I just need to get started. Before I know it I have a pile of prints and even a few that I like.

vary the size of your stencil when gelatin printing

I invite you to drop everything and go pull 10 prints. Enjoy!

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What do you notice in your world?

inspiration / /

I think as artists we see things differently.

shadows inspire art

Even when I see shapes and shadows and try to capture the energy with my camera, sometimes it does not translate.

I have learned to let go of that gap and do what I can with what I have.

Maybe the experience in the present moment is all I will get. Maybe my job is to help other have those experiences. Hmmmm?

That is why I love to teach gelatin printmaking to folks from all over the world. If you would like to experience the joys of printmaking without a press then check out the current online workshops.

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Easy to refresh the gelatin plate

monotype print / /

Yesterday I made a small gelatin and water printing plate. The plate was about 3/4″ inch thick and in a 5″ x 7″ acrylic box. That is kind of thick.

gelatin plate for monoprinting

When I pried it out of the box frame the underside cracked a bit. That is not the end of the plate. I could still print with it.

thread print made with gelatin plate

So I just cut up the plate, put it into a glass measuring cup and microwaved it for a couple of minutes.

cut up the gelatin plate to refresh

The glass measuring cup is great because it makes it very easy to pour the gelatin into the pan, no dribbly mess.

melt the gelatin in a glass measuring cup

Then to make the gelatin plate a bit thinner, I poured the melted mixture into a bigger pan. This will make it easier to get out of the pan. And then hopefully this simple gelatin and water plate will not crack.

strain the gelatin through cheesecloth as you pour it into the pan

If you would like to explore gelatin printmaking, then join us in Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course. Read the details on the workshop page.

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