mark making tools Archives - Page 3 of 7

Play with Printmaking

inspiration, mark making tools, tools / Linda Germain / April 7, 2021

Things can get serious. So that is why I routinely remind myself to put some play back into my printmaking.

Sometimes I get hung up on results, process or materials.

To get a lighter fresh approach I:

Try a new technique – tiny eraser stamps above
Use simple or new tool – rusted paper below
Use my ten pieces of paper idea

If you have a child or grandchild to print with that can be a great way to loosen up and play.

It takes time to really let yourself get into the play mode. Sometimes I need to make a mess and a bunch of ugly prints along the way.

Yet, in the end something new usually emerges.

I hope I have encouraged you to put some play into your printmaking today. Enjoy!

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Use what you have – Mark making tools

mark making tools / Linda Germain / November 23, 2020

I love finding tools that make interesting line, patterns and textures.

When used with the gelatin plate and a thin layer of ink, I can make some interesting impressions.

Testing stamping tools

Today I cut up a paper tube into 1/2 inch circles and glued them together to get a stamping tool that creates a delicate fine line.

I can use the tool to stamp into the thin layer of ink on the gelatin plate as in the photo below.

And then when there gets to be a thin layer of ink built up on the end of the tool, I can off print a delicate line style of mark.

I encourage you to explore your recycle bin for new “stamping tools”. If you would like some support in developing mark making skills, then check out the Make Marks + Books, workshop.

This online printmaking class is about embracing a light hearted approach to making many transparent layers, resulting in an artist’s book.

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Use what you have

mark making tools / Linda Germain / March 17, 2020

As mixed media artists we collect things.

We see the potential in the unwanted and cast off.

I need to remind myself to “use what I have” every once in a while. Have you ever surprised yourself by making a delicious soup, when there was “no food” in the kitchen.

When I glance around my studio I see:

I have plenty of time
I have many tables and plenty of space
Stencils, paper, prints and stamping tools
Printers, computers
Window to the street
Dad for company

Surely there is no need to shop for more stuff.

One challenge that I love to give myself is to use what I already have. So I think I will take some time and sort through my space and stuff to find a focus for my next project.

What do you think? Could you find your next art project by examining what you already have?

Try it!

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Take a walk-find inspiration

inspiration, mark making tools / Linda Germain / October 18, 2019

Do you ever need a little pick-me-up? A walk around the block may be the answer.

I need to take lots of breaks to clear my head and get focused on the next thing to do. Sometimes I am stopped by “treasures” on the street.

This rusted piece of metal could be used:

to make marks in a foam relief plate
reference for a drawing
rusting cloth or paper

Another find was some autumn leaves.

I can use:

the colors
the textures
the shapes

to create stencils, prints and drawings.

I suggest you try a walk next time you need a bit of focus.

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Print with wonderful weeds

inspiration, mark making tools, tools / Linda Germain / October 13, 2019

Today as I enjoyed the one of the last sunny days at the beach, I also gathered some fall weeds for some upcoming projects.

I found some thin, detailed twigs and branches that I hope to use in a clay project.

If I were printing with weeds and grasses on the gelatin plate, then I would look for very strong and very flat varieties of weeds.

So depending on the printmaking process that you are using will determine what kind of weeds will work for you.
I use strong and moderate thickness to create foam relief plates. These kind of weeds need to be strong and thick enough to make an impression in the plate.

So I hope you are encouraged to see the value in roadside weeds for your printmaking practice.

This thick mess of weeds is too complex for using with the gelatin plate, but it is going to be great for one time use in making an impression in clay.
Happy hunting!

Get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.

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