mixed media printmaking Archives - Page 2 of 17

Sorting Art Stuff

mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / March 22, 2023

Does your art space feel like a safe haven of creativity?

Do you love the tools and art work that fills the space? Or are there supplies that feel burdensome, but you are keeping them “just in case”?

I have mixed emotions about the state of my studio. There are corners and tables that feel good and then there are boxes, bins and materials that I want to let go of. But for some reason I keep putting if off.

I want the process to be one of self compassion and self care. I would like to find “homes” for some tools and supplies, but maybe it is just junk.

The whole studio seems like a big task, so I thought I could tackle one box or bench or shelf. But that has not happened yet. Spring is a good time to sort and make way for new life.

In addition, to studio shape up, I have been working on a new class, Torn Trees – a mixed media printmaking workshop. Check out the details.

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Tear, sew, burn and bind

book arts, collage, combined techniques, mark making, mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / May 31, 2022

Do you have a pile of paper or prints that you are willing to transform with:

tearing into collage shapes
sew with or without thread
burn or smoke stain and
bind or fold into books?

If so, then you might enjoy the Mixed Media Retreat, and online class starting soon.

The class is designed to introduce ideas and techniques into your practice that will transform your papers and prints into books and mixed media prints.

Each lesson includes:

A simple mark making prompt
A textural layering technique
A book form for reshaping prints and papers
An artist talk to stimulate the mind.

You can get more details and register on the workshop page.

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a couple of glue tips

mixed media printmaking, techniques, tools / Linda Germain / April 5, 2022

I have been using glue in my sketchbook and with some gelatin prints and I wanted to share a couple of glue handling tips.

Keep the nozzle clear

I found that if I stick something like a matchstick or 1/2 of a cotton swab into the top of the glue bottle it keeps the nozzle clear. I do have to replace the cotton swab every so often. Generally a bit of glue builds up at the top to “seal” the opening.

Squeeze out small amount of glue

I have a bunch of small ceramic dishes that have become glue plates. I generally need just a little bit of glue. So I try to put just a little bit on to the glue dish. When the glue dries I can easily peel it off the ceramic dish.

Have dedicated glue brush

I use 2 small brushes just for glue. I leave these inexpensive brushes sitting in a small container of water. That way I don’t have to clean them or worry about them hardening.

Use foam roller

If I am gluing large areas, like to cover a book, I use a foam roller and limited passes. I use the pop out foam roller that speedball sells as a kit. Just be sure to wash the roller thoroughly. And try to coat your project in one or two passes. The paper gets weak and sticky the more you roll over it.

I used the foam roller to glue these 5″ x 7″ gelatin prints together. Have you explored gelatin printmaking? Make your own long lasting gel plate – get the recipe here.

I hope you find these gluing ideas helpful.

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Build on skills you enjoy

mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / February 3, 2022

Start with art making skills that you already have and enjoy. Then test out and add on new skills.

That is one way that I have been growing my drawing and printmaking skills. I think it is important to enjoy the process and build in success as often as possible.

How do I build in success?

- Know that not every project will be beautiful. This reduces pressure and expectation
- Know that mistakes and practice pieces inform future work
- Notice what I admire about each piece. Bring what I like into the next print.

Printmaking is a great process for building new skills. When printing without a press the feed back from your mark making is immediate. You can develop your design and composition skills in fun and fast ways.

In the Make Marks and Books class, we will print many layers in a loose book form with the goal of exploring how to create pleasing combination of a variety of printed marks.

Start with an expressive scribble
Layer textured gelatin print
Make some tools
Add stamped, stenciled and rubbing kinds of marks
Continue to a complete book of your own unique style of mark making

If this sounds interesting to you, then read all the details on the workshop page and join us.

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Mark making tools

mark making, mark making tools, mixed media printmaking / Linda Germain / January 24, 2022

Do you have favorite mark making tools?

I do. I love black gel pens that flow smooth and easy. Of course I love to use cut glass to make marks with the gelatin plate. Below you will find more of my favorites.