gelatin print tips Archives

5 helpful printmaking posts

gelatin print tips, inspiration / Linda Germain / September 16, 2022

I wanted to share a few posts that I think will help your gelatin printmaking process.

1. Printmaking and papers

Paper choice is very important. Choose papers that support your creative spirit. More details here

2. Value Matters

A range of value from very light to very dark is often overlooked. Color is so exciting, but value matters more. Read more and think about your prints.

3. Tweak your found stencils

I love using found weeds as masking stencil and sometimes I have to give them a haircut to get the delicate impressions that I like. Read more about preparing found stencils here.

4. Three uses for glycerin

Glycerin can be hard to find, but I have found it very useful in the water based printmaking process. Get the details here.

5. “Save” that gelatin print

In this post I share 3 ways that I use imperfect prints. Enjoy!

5 helpful printmaking posts Read More »

2 Gelatin Printing Tips

gelatin print tips / Linda Germain / July 12, 2022

When I first started gelatin printmaking, it was all about playing with the tools and discovering what kind of marks where possible.

Recently, I noticed that I play less and have more expectations. I decided that I would benefit by getting back into that beginner’s mind of play and discovery.

Ways that I embrace more play:

Use non-precious paper – like 90 lb drawing paper
If I think it, then try it
Use non-usual colors
Try to suspend judgement
Allow what happens
Don’t expect to have a lot of perfect prints
Give myself time to warm up and get in the flow

Discovery happens when I:

Test out new grasses and weeds
Flip through a pile of prints to notice what I like
Make lots of mistakes and understand what is not working
Move beyond what I already know

Some playful discoveries I have recently made:

Compiling lots of prints into an “I wish” journal (above)
Direct printing into my sketchbook pages (first image above)
Found some new grasses that I like (orange image above)
Added delicate ghost images to an accordion book (below)

Gelatin printmaking can be a satisfying form of expression. If you want the recipe to make your own gelatin plate, then get it here.

2 Gelatin Printing Tips Read More »

Time to admire – gelatin printmaking

gelatin print tips, mixed media printmaking, monotype print / Linda Germain / October 13, 2021

Gelatin Printmaking can be fast and furious. The process lends itself to pulling lots of prints and layers with minimal preparation.

It is easy to get lost in the process.

I often tell my students that it can be like a roller coaster of ups and downs. I may pull several pleasing impressions to be followed by several ugly prints.

To enjoy the roller coaster ride of gelatin printmaking:

Know ahead of time that there will be prints you like and others you don’t
Focus on the things you like, rather than the problems
Take time to admire your successes. Pin it to the wall, stand back and enjoy.

Another tool I use to create success in my printmaking, is to embrace the 80/20 rule. If I get 2 outstanding prints out of 1o then I consider it a success. Those 8 other prints inform and create space for the magical pieces that I really love.

If you want to create more pleasing gelatin prints, then join us in the online class, Monochromatic Mountains. Read all the details on the workshop page.

Time to admire – gelatin printmaking Read More »

3 ways to “save” a gelatin print

gelatin print tips / Linda Germain / October 23, 2020

I make lots of less than perfect prints. I just know that is part of my process.

1 – One way that I revive a print is to scribble to create texture and support the focus.

gelatin plate print by linda germain — with hand drawn lines

The colored pencil scribbles in the print above create a sense of playful motion. This kind of fix mimics the playful way I like to print.

2 – I use a cropping window to create a compelling composition.

In the piece above I used a 2″ square window to hover over a pile of practice prints. I cut out a stack of squares and them combined them to create this thumbnail print. This process is great for building composition skills.

3 – Print a very dark layer as the final impression.

In the print above, again I had a random practice print of circles. It was just so so. I picked the figure and a couple of circle stencils to create a pleasing composition. Then I laid down a very dark blue, black layer and made this image. A final dark layer is often an easy way to fix an otherwise boring print.

Join me in an online printmaking workshop. READ the details about current offerings.

3 ways to “save” a gelatin print Read More »

Printmaking and Papers

gelatin print tips / Linda Germain / October 22, 2020

Paper is important to printmakers. It holds our impressions.

I like to use paper that allows me to print with abandon. If the paper is too precious, then I get afraid to make “mistakes.” And mistakes are where the magic happens.

So my go to paper for gelatin printmaking is 90 lb. sulphite drawing paper. I now buy the ream of 12″ x 18″. Then I can cut the paper into specific sizes for printing and bookmaking.

Another inexpensive paper that I have used it Staples Cover Stock. It is absorbent and sturdy.

FREE paper is another favorite. I like to white wash old book pages with acrylic paint or printing ink, then I start with a textural surface that creates a layer of interest.

When gelatin printing, it is often important that the paper is absorbent and picks up the ink easily.

I have printed on:

old maps
tissue paper
children board books

I encourage you to consider that papers you print on. And see if the paper supports your artistic vision. Also try printing on some new and different papers that allow you to playfully approach printmaking.

Check out the online printmaking classes available now.

Printmaking and Papers Read More »