inspiration

3 ways to use Cast Shadows in Art making

inspiration / /

 

Shadows to inspire printmaking tools by linda germain
These shadows were created with strong sunlight – Linda Germain

The beauty of shadows is that they are simplified, powerful shapes.  All of the distracting details are gone. Three quick uses for shadow shapes.

  1. As you can see from the images above, a photo of a shadow can be simple art all on it’s own.
  2. The shadow could be traced and cut into a masking stencil for creating Monotype prints.
  3. Or you could use shadows as a source of inspiration for drawings and for compositional ideas.  Seeing shadows can pull you into the present moment and your surroundings.  That awareness is a great tool to have at your disposal.

If you would like to explore adding shadow shapes and masking stencils to monotype printmaking on the glycerin and gelatin plate, then join me in the an online class.

Masking stencils inspired by cast shadows - linda germain
Left masking stencil and right inspiration for future stencils

 

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What our kids and dogs already know

inspiration / /

 

Be inspired to play with different printing techniques with Linda Germain
Experiment with easy printmaking techniques – Play today

I wanted to share with you some inspiration, that I have just come across.  Play is key to creation, problem solving and an alternative to fear. 

Kids do it.  Animals do it. Successful people do it.  Is play part of your day?  I read that play is:

  • apparently purposeless and
  • creates a freedom from time and
  • diminished consciousness of self

Are you ready to play?  Consider one of these 5 printmaking techniques or something that is comfortable and easy for you. Really let go of expectations and constraints.  Maybe get some inspiration from kids or animals. Embrace the ideas above and see what happens.

If you would like some support around playing with printmaking, then join me for the fall session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink on paper. Get on the special list today.

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Get it All OUT – so you can see the big picture

inspiration / /
Looking at the BIG picture - Linda Germain
Looking at the BIG picture – Linda Germain

Use what you have – is one of my mottos.   I do have to remind myself of that, before I go buy the next great tool, ink or organizing item.

I found a couple of easels and cork boards and used them to get it all out of my head and on to paper.  Wow!  Does that feel good!  I am a BIG picture thinker, and now I can see it all in a glance.  Why did I wait so long?

How about you?  What guiding principle are you using to get things done and create time to make prints?

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Can you Create in Chaos?

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Can I clear the Chaos? Linda Germain
Can I clear the Chaos? Linda Germain

Moving to a new space has created an opportunity for awareness for me.  It is a huge space and I noticed that I was filling it up with messes just about everywhere.

Is there a message in the mess?

I went around my studio yesterday and took pictures of my piles and projects.  Today with a gentle heart I started with one table and began to organize and sort.  I feel better, and I have just begun.

Could there be clarity in clean?

This is what Einstein said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity.  Form discord, find harmony.  In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.  –Albert Einstein, The Quotable Einstein.

 

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What happens if you change your perspective?

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Change you perspective - Linda Gemain
Change you perspective – Linda Germain

Today, I started cleaning some of the 22 windows in my studio.  Wow!  Did that change my perspective.  I did not notice how really dirty they were until I had a clean one to compare with.  Even with the browns and grays of early spring my city started to look a little friendlier.

The other day I took this picture while laying on the floor.  Sitting on the floor feels free.  I feel like a kid, like I could be playing with my buddies.  I have a painter friend, Debbie Shirley,  who captures the most unique perspectives in her painting.

What do you think a new perspective could do for you?

Consider a workshop.

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