Moving beyond self criticism – mixed media printmaking

It is easy to get stopped in the judgment and analysis of a mixed media piece.

mixed media gelatin print by linda germain

I love the rich layers of mixed media work. I often work without knowing what the end product will look like. That approach does give me a bit of freedom.

Trust the Process

One way to move beyond the critical voice is to remember that you have successfully trusted the process before. I also do not expect every print to be something that I like. I use an 80/20 rule. If 20% of my prints are pleasing to me, then that is success for me.

gelatin print on painted book page

Set yourself up for Success

Some ways that I build in successful prints:

  • Work with limited stencils and colors
  • Work in a standard frameable size
  • Work 10 or more sheets of paper at once
  • Pin up the prints in process and step back and admire
  • Give them a day or 2 and come back for another look

gelatin plate print on book page

Sometimes taking a class or working with other artists can help you gain confidence, skills and a new way to look at your work.

If you like to use old books as part of your art making process and you want to be inspired and supported by like minded artists, then join us in the online art class, Books as Art Materials.

books as paper for gelatin printmaking

Books can be used as a printing and collaging surface for mixed media projects.

books as art materials

Would you dare to shred an old book? What about photographing books?

Books as ART Materials – online art class

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Art show at Nunan’s – Sunday 12 – 3

Put a little sunshine and flowers into your Sunday afternoon. Join me and other members of the Haverhill Art Association at local  florist Nunan’s Greenhouse, Rte 97 in Georgetown, MA

succulents in winter at Nunans greenhouse

Being in a warm greenhouse on a cold winter day can lift your spirits!

Hope to see you there. I will have several small monotype prints and hand printed cards for sale. And you can sign up for the Printing Cards with Botanicals workshop that will be offered in March.

Printing botanicals on the gelatin plate

More info on the Art exhibit on the Haverhill Art Association event page.

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Local artists and Nunan’s Florist events

We are bringing a little beauty into the darker days of Winter. Two events at local florist, Nunan’s Greenhouse.

2018 Paint In ART exhibit
Nunans florist and greenhouse

I will be there with prints and cards made with and inspired by ferns, flowers and weeds. You can even sign up for my new workshop Botanical Cards.

fern prints on the gelatin plate

Printing cards with botanicals – workshop

Printing with Ferns from Linda Germain on Vimeo.

 

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Having fun with books

I love using books as art materials.

  • You can usually find them free or quite inexpensive
  • They have a rich patina and history
  • Paper, text and texture!

pages of old books as printing surfaces

I know some folks are horrified by the idea of ripping up a book. The books that I use are destined for the recycling bin. I go to library book sales at the tail end of the sale and usually get a bag of old books for a few dollars.

I am happy and the library is happy too. Win, win!

cut up book pages for collage

A few of the types of books that I like to use are:

  • dictionaries
  • Little Golden Books for children
  • A music book
  • a foreign language book
  • a couple of paperback books
  • any old and yellowed paged books

Today I printed some photos that I took of a scrunched and rolled paperback book. I think that I gave this dictionary new life, that is living on my studio wall.

books as photo

If you would like to explore using books as art materials, then check out the details on the workshop page. Start collecting old books and you will be ready for class, when it starts.

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Greenhouse a winter sanctuary

Yesterday I joined several other members of the Haverhill Art Association at Nunan’s Florist and greenhouse for a botanical inspired day of printing.

Nunans greenhouse georgetown haverhill art paint in

Each Sunday in January the artists gather in the greenhouse and paint, draw, print and make clay work. The series culminates with a final exhibit and opening to the public on Sunday, January 28th from 12 to 3.

textured pot printmaking inspiration

metal bench design to inspire printmaking ideas

I started by walking around looking for shapes and textures. Then I took some photos.

found leaves and ferns for gelatin printmaking

I decided to hunt for a few leaves or ferns on the floor and to make some single color cards.

linda germain gelatin printmaking in the greenhouse in winter

I had a wonderful, warm, winter afternoon in the greenhouse pulling gelatin prints.

botanical cards - gelatin printmaking

I was lucky to find a few fairly flat ferns and leaves and produce some lovely detailed impression with the gelatin plate.

sketches and gelatin prints in the greenhouse

Towards the end of the day I cut a tavel stencil based on a sketch that I did of some leaves and pulled a couple of two color prints on old book pages.

Check out upcoming workshops.

 

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