2010

Inks, stencils and Understanding the Gelatin Plate

2010, Gelatin plate print / /
©2012 linda germain Pre-inking stencils for gelatin Prints

Sometimes pre-inking the stencil works and sometimes it doesn’t.  Today I was trying to figure out why.  It is the balance of water in the ink, plate and air.  I think.  When the ink won’t release from the stencil on to the plate the easiest thing to do is mix that ink with one that does release.  I have  a couple of cans of very sticky ink and I am experimenting with leaving the lid off, to see if I can dry the ink out.  As I got a little frustrated this morning, I had to remind myself to go with the flow. Let Go and have some fun.  Do you like my new app?  PicFrame  I think I am going to enjoy it.

 

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3 stencil cutting tips for gelatin printmaking

2010, gelatin plate tips, masking stencils / /
©2012 linda germain – cutting masking stencils for more gelatin prints

I would rather be playing with ink and mark making tools than cutting stencils but I have to do it to create some new imagery.  These are a few more of my Ellsworth Kelly inspired line drawings.  

I cut the paper first and then coat with mat medium.  The paper is easier to cut that way, but it is more challenging to coat the stencils with mat medium.  They want to curl and stick to the table.

Also the mat medium really saturates the edged this way too. The helpful ideas are:

  1. Use a fresh sharp blade.   This is not the place to be frugal.
  2. When cutting along a line turn the paper instead of turning the knife.  This will give you a smoother cut.
  3. Cut the tiny details first.  The stability of the rest of the paper will make it easier to cut these details.

Oh..  Remember to breathe.  I use wax paper and coat both sides of the masking stencil several times so that it becomes very strong.

We make stencils as part of the Make Monotypes, online class.  Join the list to hear about the next session.

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Cutting a Masking stencil for Gelatin Prints

2010, gelatin print tips, masking stencils / /
©2012 linda germain  – Preparing a stencil for gelatin printing

Last month I went to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in NYC and  was inspired by Ellsworth Kelly‘s plant drawings.  The line is simple, confident and expressive.  Hmmmmm!  So I said I was going to do a line drawing a day.  Well I made it for about 7 days.  I hung them up and did enjoy them.  Today I decided to photocopy one and make a stencil for gelatin printmaking.  I am applying a few coats of mat meduim so that it will with stand the wear and tear of gelatin printing.

Post by Linda Germain

 

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