Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

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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Combine drawings to create a composition

drawings / Linda Germain / June 7, 2018

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

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

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.

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 / Linda Germain / June 6, 2018

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

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

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.

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.

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Pinterest and drawing skills – inspired

drawings / Linda Germain / June 5, 2018

Yesterday, I got lost on Pinterest looking for inspiration. Be careful! Pinterest can eat up an afternoon.

I added lots of inspiration to several of my boards:

My inspiration went in an unexpected direction. I was drawn into abstract prints with just a few shapes.

So I decided to do some sketches inspired by prints from some masters.

I was hoping to learn what it was that appealed to me. By copying a master art work, I can learn about things like division of space, composition and line.

I felt like I gained permission to play with just a few simple shapes to create a compelling piece of artwork. And these sketches could be a jumping off place.

I noticed in this print by Otto Freundich how the lines varied in width and how all the shapes are different sizes. This create dynamic interest. It keeps me looking at the print.

I decided to play with just 3 shapes and make a few watercolor sketches. I was fun! Boundaries and limits can be a catalyst for new ideas.

I am really excited about the upcoming class that I am offering, SEE – draw – Print. I have be drawing and trace monoprinting a lot in the last few days.