Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Space + Time + tools = FUN

techniques / Linda Germain / July 2, 2018

This was my TO DO list today.

I needed to

make some space on my workbench
take the time to play with the woodblock that I made last week in class
gather the tools for my experiments.
Then most importantly let it be FUN!

If you are having trouble getting started with you next art making project try out the “Space + Time + Tools = FUN” formula.

Often we can be distracted from making art because we think that we do not have:

Enough space
Any time
Right Tools

That might be true, but if you really want to make art you can often find the time and space and then use the tools that you do have.

For example, woodblock printing is new to me. After taking a workshop at MassART with Lisa Houck, I wanted to continue to experiment with the blocks that I had made.

Even before the 2 day workshop started I hunted through my stuff for carving tools, wood, watercolors and paper. I borrowed watercolors from a friend and made do with the paper and tools that I had.

The thing that was going to stop me was time!

I reminded myself to “feed” my art habit first, then I would be in a space to share what I learn with others. [Like the oxygen mask in a crashing plane scenario. :)]

This kind of support, sharing and structure is what I hope to give you in the Mixed Media Printmakers Online Retreat. I want to help you find the space, time and tools to have some fun with printing, collaging and bookmaking.

I think that this kind of supported action will help to feed your art practice.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page and join us today. Class starts July 7th.

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Writing to assist your ART making

combined techniques / Linda Germain / June 29, 2018

Do you use text in your art work?
Do you write “morning pages”?
Do you scribble to it is illegible?
Or can you create beautiful fonts by hand?

I am a scribbler. I do a form of morning writing. And I love to use text as a textural element to draw the viewer into my work.

I have taken classes that encouraged writing to inform, understand or jumpstart a process/series.

Writing about your process or inspiration can help you to talk to others about your art. When they understand your art, then they will appreciate it more.

People are drawn to text. They want to read it.

I noticed that I read the description cards at the museum. Sometimes I spend more time reading the card than looking at the art. Then the text is getting in the way of my direct experience. So I try to look at the art first and them maybe read a bit of the info card.

I challenge you to try using text/writing to:

draw the viewer in
create a pattern or shape
build texture and not words
instill some mystery
capture a memory
hide or cover something
explain a juxtaposition

If you would like to explore several ways of adding text to your work, then consider joining the Mixed media printmaker’s online retreat.

Class starts July 7th and you will have at least 6 more months access to the classroom. Read the details on the workshop page.

Check out my gallery of work with text as element of design.

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Declare – I am an ARTIST

inspiration / Linda Germain / June 22, 2018

How does if feel when you say:

I am an Artist. I make………………

I have a defensive denial reaction, that I quickly bury. And I am a bit uncomfortable with the statement. Hmmm?

Why is it hard for me to declare?
What am I afraid of?
Why do I not feel like an artist?

Probably as with any belief, I need to say it, and live it until it is in my bones.

How can I do that?

Be aware of my resistance
Tell myself and others that I am an artist
And step by step I will start to believe it.

As artists we:

see things differently
notice the usually unseen and
create new combinations of materials and ideas

We are all unique and that is our gift to the world. Enjoy a video from the Artist Project from the MET.

One thing that does help me to feel like an artist is to be with other artists, to take classes and go on art vacations.

That is why I am offering the Mixed Media Printmaker’s Online Retreat. I hope to bring the art “vacation” to you.

I modeled the class around elements of art vacations that I have taken. I combined reflection, action and learning into an intense week long event.

Class starts July 7th. Check out the details on the workshop page. You will have access to the lessons for at least 6 months, so even if this is not a good time for you it may still work out.

If you have a pile of prints and papers that you would like to transform, then this may be the class for you.

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What is a trace monoprint? – video

trace monoprint / Linda Germain / June 12, 2018

Watch a quick video and see what a trace monotype print is.

Want to learn more join us in the next session of Draw into Print. Read all the details on the workshop page.

A trace monotype print has a fuzzy line quality that cannot be reproduced with other methods of printmaking. You can free hand draw or you can trace an image.

The process is fast and unpredictable.

You can check out some of my Trace Monotype prints on this page.

A couple of famous artists who used trace monoprinting (ink transfer drawing) are:

Paul Klee – info and some images
Paul Gauguin – info from MOMA

Enjoy!

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Making multiple monotypes from a sketch

drawings, trace monoprint / Linda Germain / June 11, 2018

One way to get the most from your drawing efforts is to use a drawing or sketch that you like is to make a matrix for printing.

A matrix could be:

a screen for screen printing
a carved block for relief printing
a stencil for gelatin printmaking
a guide for trace monoprinting

Not all drawings will be good for every different type of matrix. For example if your drawing is a shapely silhouette, then that would be great for making a stencil for gelatin printmaking.

If you have a very delicate or detailed drawing then maybe and emulsion style screen print would be the best choice.

The style of drawing that works best for trace monoprinting is bold and expressive line drawings. The lines cannot be too delicate or too close together. Solid shapes should be avoided as well.

The fuzzy black line and the random plate ink is characteristic of a trace monoprint. Check out my gallery of trace monoprints.

A couple of famous artists who used trace monoprinting (ink transfer drawing) are:

Paul Klee – info and some images
Paul Gauguin – info from MOMA

I love the experimental nature of the process combined with a predictable line drawing. I also love to try to come up with new ways to make lines and marks.

This is a trace monoprint that I did on rusted paper. The circles were made by pressing down on the paper with a large jar cover.

If you are interested in drawing and turning some of those drawings into trace monoprints, then join us in the online class, Draw into Print.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page. It is a short 3 day class to get you drawing and printing right away.

From left to right, a trace monoprint, colored with watercolors, top, black line trace monoprint, bottom, 4″ x 6″ original sketch and far right, enlarged and reversed copy used as a matrix. Hope you find this interesting and join us in class.

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