masking stencils

Lots of folks want to print with leaves, flowers and grasses. All natural materials are not the same. Some are better than others for printing on the glycerin and gelatin plate.

To get the most detailed and interesting impressions when making prints with natural objects I look for 3 qualities.

Printing with Leaves and Grasses

1. Leaves with interesting negative space. That means I look at the shape around the leaf and ask myself it is interesting or boring.  Also if petals of the leaf touch each other then they will create one big space instead of separate petals. Do I want that?
2. Texture on the back side of the leaf.  Are the veins prominent? Will they create a detailed mark? More mature leaves generally have more distinct veins.
3. Strong but flexible.  Tender spring leaves usually flop and curl. They are hard to handle. Look for a sturdy flat leaf that with withstand, inking, moving and rubbing. Dried leaves are usually brittle and seem resistant to holding the ink.

Hope these tips help you with your next printmaking session with grasses and leaves.

Do you have other qualities that you look for when printing with objects from nature?  If so share them in the comments section and inspire us.

Post by Linda Germain

© 2013 linda germain      Stencils drying during workshop

These stencils caught my eye during the recent gelatin printmaking class.   I like to use figures in my prints and the way these ladies were draped over the back of this chair, just grabbed my attention.

I think they are simply photocopies  on regular paper or on card stock.  They look like they have a coat of mat medium on them and are drying in between coats.

The black and white one has great negative space.

One way I check for interesting negative space is I look at the stencil from the back and if it is still interesting then I think it has an interesting shape/negative space.

Another test that I do, is I squint at the image and try to imagine it as a solid impression, without the details.  Identifying expressive negative space and shapes takes a little practice.

Look for “holes” created by the parts of our stencil.  like the arms and legs are doing above.

Happy Printing!

© linda germain 2013 16″ x 20″ gelatin plate monotype print w/ akua Kolor inks

Do you find yourself going to the same or similar tools and stencils?

I am drawn to my people masking stencils.

• I like putting people in combination with grasses and circles.
• I like when the figures are layered and some are hidden and slightly revealed
• I like how they can give a print focus.
• I like how they can pop.