Declare – I am an ARTIST

inspiration / /

How does if feel when you say:

I am an Artist. I make………………

Linda Germain Artist

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.

Linda Germain - make your mark

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.

creation linda germain

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.

collage linda germain

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.

prints by linda germain

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What is a trace monoprint? – video

trace monoprint / /

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

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:

Enjoy!

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Making multiple monotypes from a sketch

drawings, trace monoprint / /

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.

Gelatin prints by linda germain

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

emulsion style screen print

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.

Trace monoprints by linda germain

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:

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.

trace monoprint on rusted paper

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.

make multiple prints from your drawings

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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Combine drawings to create a composition

drawings / /

Brayers are a key tool for printmakers. So I did a couple of quick drawings of my brayers on index cards.

Line drawing of brayer

Then today I picked two of the drawings and made copies of them, increasing and reducing the size.

copies of line drawings of brayers

As you can see in the sketch in the middle above, I overlapped and combined several of the copies to create an interesting composition.

So this is one way to get more from one littles sketch. Use your copier or computer to manipulate the size and combine to create a new design.

twisted brayers trace monoprint

And then I used the combined drawing as a matrix for a couple of trace monoprints. I think that I will make a couple more and add some watercolor to them like I did in the little abstract drawing at the end.

If you would like to get more from your drawings, then check out the online class, SEE – draw – Print.

Class starts soon. It is a 3 day class designed to get you drawing and printing right away.

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Drawing with Scissors – Thanks to Matisse

drawings / /

Not all drawing needs to be with a pen and paper. Today I was inspired by one of Matisse’s cut out figures.

cut out female figure inspired by Matisse

Matisse’s light blue figure looks so feminine and still very strong or powerful. I was not as easy as you might think.

female silhouette in cut paper

Later in the day, I glued the cut-a-way pieces to a card to create even more strong female figures. This additive approach was easier for me to do than the cut away.

cut paper figures inspired by Matisse

I think shape is one of the first things we learn when we start to draw. It can be stimulating to circle back to the basics and explore the basic elements of design like shape, line and value in isolated projects.

The Challenge

Cut and play with simple shapes to convey your message. See if you can capture it’s essence in the shape. You could:

  • Simplify a figurative image of your own
  • Copy a master like Matisse and then go in your own direction
  • Keep it easy and fun

If you want to explore with the support of an online class then check out the current workshops that are being offered.

strong woman paper cutout

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