monotype print

Easier instructions – Make the Gelatin & Glycerin plate

gelatin plate care, monotype print / /

I am very pleased to share with you that I have simplified the instructions on how to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for making prints.

One of my students actually simplified the steps and has graciously given me permission to share with you her discovery.

supplies to make the gelatin and glycerin plate

I have found that I only need 3 boxes of gelatin, 2 bottles of glycerin and 2 cups of hot boiling water.

The new trick is to really let the gelatin and glycerin bloom, before adding the hot water. And then use the microwave or double boiler to finish dissolving.

You can get the full instructions and the video tutorial when you join the list.

If you are already on my list and you have lost the link and password, just start to fill out the box below as if you were joining, and you will get a message with the info that you need.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
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If you are looking for some help making gelatin prints that you love, then you might be interested in the Gelatin Printmaking Workshop.

delicate gelatin plate monotype print

It is an online self study with more than 30 short videos teaching:

  • how to make and use stencils
  • find and alter stamping tool
  • control and modify inks
  • maintain the plate and much more.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page.

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Make the most of your drawings

monotype print, screen printing / /

If you have been following me for a while, then you may know that I do not love to draw. And drawing is the basis for a lot of printmaking techniques.

drawing fluid method screen print by linda germain

So I am really excited when I can make a drawing live on in a new way by using it as a matrix for a printmaking process.

screen filler screens for printmaking

I am getting ready for the online printmaking class, Pulling Screen Prints. So I pulled out my box of tools and screens.

I have a few images/screens that I made more than 7 years ago.

mixed media print by linda germain

Drawing fluid type screens are really not meant to be saved and used for long periods of time. But I made these on homemade screens, with canvas stretchers and Tulle for screen mesh.

make your own screen for printing

Over the years I have collected screens of different qualities and sizes. Small screens are nice for random all over printing and are easy to store. Bigger screens are good for more exact printing and large runs of the same image.

Today I wanted to see if this giraffe image would still print. So I covered the areas of the screen that I did not need and pulled a couple of quick test prints.

giraffe image ready to print

I am pleased to say that the image is still printing nicely. So I am thinking that I might create some abstract background layers on a bunch of papers and then print the giraffe on top.

screen print of giraffe by linda germain

Emulsion type screens, like the EZscreen or thermofax screens are really great for converting drawings and photos into a long lasting screen for mixed media printmaking.

EZscreens made from drawings and photos

They are small and can be easily stored flat in folders.

screen printed hand towels

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

Get a FREE easy screen print tutorial
You can be screen printing today!

Join today and get notice of future classes.

You will also get weekly emails about printmaking, tips, tools and classes.

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Working small can lead to big things

monotype print, trace monoprint / /

It can be overwhelming to getting started with a new series or art project. One way to ease into a new project it to work small and do a little something each day.

trace monoprint of a chair

I like working 5″ x 7″. It is small enough to complete quickly and a standard size that can easily be framed up to 8″ x 10″

An in a very short time I can have a collection of drawings, prints or collages for my studio wall.

chair drawings by linda germain

Consider doing a few small works  in one day to get yourself psyched up to continue the “daily doing.”

tacks and clips to display art in progress

Three tips on making small art everyday:

  1. Use supplies that are easy and accessible to you quickly. Minimize prep time and clean up time. That is why daily drawing is so popular, all you need is pen and paper. But if you are printmaker or collage artist or fiber artist find ways to leaves supplies out and ready, so you can quickly make your small daily piece.
  2. Hang up your work. Admire it. Enjoy the growing collection. Try not to judge every little piece. If you give yourself time and space you will see your unique voice evolving and getting clearer.
  3. Keep it fun. Remember this is a practice to support you. If it turns into another chore to get done, then consider changing the subject or medium and get back to a bit of joyful creation.

If you would like to jumpstart a daily habit with some drawings and trace monoprinting, then

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

This is a great class to get playing with loose, expressive drawing and then easily transform those drawings into one of a kind, trace monoprints.

The “big things” that could happen from your “daily doings.”

  • You may have body of work for a solo show
  • You may have a stack of work to frame and sell or gift
  • You may have new and stronger skills
  • You may have become more aware of your unique expression

I think it is worth the try!

Working small can lead to big things Read More »

Do some Picasso inspired “one-liners”

monotype print / /

I love line drawings that are simple and still express authenticity. And that can be a challenge to let the line flow and not be labored.

trace monoprint by linda germain
Line drawing trace monoprint

To get some inspiration for the beauty of simple line drawings check out the one liners by Picasso.

I also love the Plant drawings by Elsworth Kelly.

ellsworth kelly plant drawings

If you are inspired by the simplicity of the one line drawing, then give your self a challenge.

You could:

  1. Pick a line drawings by Picasso or another master and do studies
  2. As a learning to see tool – you could copy it and trace it
  3. Then draw it while staring at it
  4. Notice if you are loose or tense
  5. Remember to breathe

After doing a bunch of studies you could pick one flower or animal and do your own drawing in just one line.

It may take several steps to simplify the image to one line and still express the essence. As Picasso did with he bull studies.

picasso's bull study

Here is a quote that is attributed to Picasso that support the beauty of the one liner:

“Art is the elimination of the unnecessary .”

line drawing of ear buds

My drawing is more than one line, but I do feel the essence of those tangled wires.

I like to use this simplified line drawing approach when I am preparing images to make trace monoprints.

stack of cups trace monoprint by linda germain

The line drawing becomes the matrix for the fuzzy lined trace monoprint. And that fuzzy line quality gives the image a whole new feel.

figure drawing by linda germain

I made a copy of this figure drawing  and then used that to make the trace monoprint below.

trace monoprint figure drawing

If you are intrigued by simplified drawings and want to explore the trace monoprint process, then check out the details on the Draw into Print Workshop page and join us, class starts soon.

 

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5 places to get Tyvek® for making stencils

monotype print / /

Tyvek® is great for making stencils. So what is it and where can I get some?

tyvek stencils used for making cards with the gelatin plate

It  is a brand of flashspun high-density polyethylene fibers, a synthetic material; the name is a registered trademark of the DuPont company, known for their production of chemicals and textiles. Tyvek® is often used as housewrap, a synthetic material used to protect buildings during construction.

I comes in different weights and structures for different uses. Check out the DuPont site for all that info.

You can find Tyvek®:

  1. Construction site dumpster – house wrap. Or if you need a lot check out a hardware store for Tyvek® house wrap.
  2. Staples + Office supplies stores sell Tyvek® envelopes. This is an affordable option if you can buy them in small quantities.
  3. Staples sells – JAM tyvek paper
  4. USPS – Uses Tyvek® envelops for their priority mail service – You could recycle those envelopes.
  5. Material Concepts – is an online seller of Tyvek® and sometimes you can get odd lot rolls – their Excess Inventory for a reasonable price.
  6. Get creative, tell your friends that you need Tyvek® for your art. Look for things that are made with tyvek that you could repurpose.

Be inspired by Beatrice Coron – a paper cutting artist, who uses a lot of Tyvek®.

If you want to learn more about making stencils from Tyvek® and other materials, then join us in the online class, Hand Printed Cards. Class is starting soon.

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