Use what you learn in class

monotype print / /

I get super motivated by taking classes. I dive in and try to learn as much as I can.  I must confess, I even pre-learn, research and test out techniques before class even starts.

This year I took a ModernMarbling class, with CynthiaMcGuirl.

modern marbleized paper by linda germain

Then I enjoyed a Japanese woodblock printing class this with artist and teacher Lisa Houck.

abstract woodblock prints by linda germain

A dropped in on a couple of figure drawing sessions at Essex Art Center.

figure drawing class linda germain

And most recently, I participated in the online class Translating Landscapes, with Antia Lehmann.

abstract landscape by linda germain

Sometimes that the prints that I make in these classes just get filed away or tossed durning my next purging session.  But the process is what I keep.

The process of:

  • developing dynamic images
  • learning to think differently
  • fix problems/mistakes in new ways
  • identifying my strengths and interests

I hope to bring those ideas and more back to my own practice.

So as the most recently landscape class ends I played with new tools and the gelatin plate to make some abstract landscapes. I am pretty pleased.

abstract landscape monotype print by linda germain

If you are like me and need an art class, then check out the current online classes being offered.

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Make your own low tack tape

mark making tools / /

One of my mottos is:

Use what you have.

I still have the urge to go out and buy new supplies. But sometimes I have the ability to resist that urge.

abstract landscape by linda germain

Recently I have been taping down paper for some watercolor play.

thumbnail paintings of landscapes by linda germain

One of the projects called for very thin masking tape that could be removed from the paper without ripping the paper.

masking tape for taping down water color paper

I had some cheap blue painters tape from the dollar tree store. So you know it is not as good as the 3M version.

The trick to making it less sticky is to stick it to your pants, apron or cutting mat a few times before you use to tape down your paper.

This method has been working for me for a couple of weeks. I even cut the 2″ tape into 1/4″ strips to do these thumbnail studies. I was surprised how easy it was.

cut wide tape to size to mask paper for watercolor painting

I do remove the tape very carefully and watch for paper tears.  If the paper starts to tear, I gently remove the tape from another direction.

thumbnail watercolor studies of trees

Enjoy!

 

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3 tools for gelatin printing fabric tote bag

gelatin print tips / /

I like using a tiny gelatin plate and  a spongy brayer to print fabric totes.

gelatin print tote bags

I use:

  1. pre-washed cotton tote bag
  2. acrylic craft paint
  3. soft spongy brayer from Hobby Lobby
  4. small homemade gelatin plate – Recipe

I stick the gelatin plate to a small piece of glass and hold it in my hand like a stamp.

If you want to learn all the ins and outs of gelatin printmaking, then  join us in the next session of the online printmaking class, Make Monotypes.

Read all the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Let Go – to create an opening

inspiration / /

Even a little bit of letting go makes space for something new.

have a vision

It is challenging for a mixed media artist to let go of things. Because we think, “Oh I could use this for something.”

move beyond the chaos

Yes but, how long have we been saving it?

  • Months?
  • Years?
  • Decades?

I challenge you to experience the opening created by letting go. 

Fear of letting go

Try one of these approaches:

  • Sort through one box and trash 1/2 of it
  • Tackle one small table and let go of anything you don’t use right now
  • Get rid of old work – (it might be weighing you down)

It is hard to let go.

But I always feel lighter and ready for something new when I create an opening by throwing out something that no longer feeds me.

time to clean the printmaking studio - Linda Germain

 

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Help others to SEE

inspiration / /

I think our job as artists is to help others to see differently.

See the leaves at your feet

So often I something catches my eye and when I try to photograph it, the essence is not captured.

solo tree in the woods

For example this solo beech tree looked striking and beautiful to me, but that is not so in this photo.

look up and down for new beauty

But what I could do is make a painting or print or drawing that captures and conveys what my eye selectively sees.

I encourage you to look and see differently today!

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