monotype print

I love taking classes. And when I take a class, I want to learn as much as I can about the process from the instructor.

This means that I don’t want to spend a lot of time deciding on the images that I want to use for the process.

Image collection and cultivation ideally is an ongoing daily process. Some might call it a sketchbook practice. But it really does not need to be limited to a sketchbook.

Image ideas and creation could be:

• sketchbook practice
• a pinterest board
• a daily photo habit
• a folder of magazine clippings

The key elements to this habit/practice of image collection are:

• It happens daily/regularly
• You save the images in one spot, so you can find them when you need them
• The method you choose fits your style

I love to help my students find ways to support their daily practice of art making. That is why I use short videos and lessons. So the student can spend most time making, doing and creating. I think that is that fastest way to learn new printmaking skills.

If you are interest in adding some new skills to your art making practice, then consider an online workshop, check out the current classes.

 

Today I used my Tyvek® stencils to make some 4″ x  4″ gelatin prints instead of the cards.

I really like how the small prints look in the 8″ square frame. It gives the print some breathing space and it seems to be bigger than it really is.

I love figuring out ways to use tools in new ways. I don’t really love cutting stencils, so when I can use them in multiple ways it makes me happy.

Just another reason to join me in the Hand printed cards printmaking workshop, the online class that starts soon.

You will be pulling more than cards, if that interests you!

I like to start simple and then work up slight variations of the same print. These cards were printed with hand cut Tyvek® stencils and the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate. 

Today I played with some Tyvek® stencils and the gelatin plate. I love the happy surprise of the black and gold print above.

With this process it is easy to make many prints quite quickly. One thing that I love is that I use just a few tools and this allows me to test and print slight variations.

If you are interested in learning more about this monotype printing process, then join us in the online printmaking workshop, Hand Printed Cards + gelatin plate.

This is a short weekend class focused on this specific technique, but will include many processes that you can use in a broader approach to gelatin printmaking.

Have you used Tyvek® to make stencils for your gelatin printing projects?

I am excited to introduce you to the benefits of Tyvek® as stencil material, in this weekend workshop, Hand Printed Cards.

Why Tyvek® for stencil making?

Tyvek® is strong, durable and waterproof. These are great qualities for stencil material. It is also easy to cut.

You can find Tyvek®:

• recycle Tyvek® envelopes
• purchase Tyvek® from Material Concepts
• Try Jam paper from – Staples
• “dumpster dive” at a local building site for scraps of house wrap

If you want to be inspired by a cut paper artist who uses Tyvek® – then check out the work of Beatric Coron.

What kind of stencil is it?

I have a special name for this kind of stencil – “a masking stencil with a frame.” I use these descriptive words to distinguish the stencil and the way that I use it to create a beautiful, multi-colored image.

My approach to printing with these stencils includes using the gelatin plate, which is soft and malleable and can transfer delicate details to the paper.

In the image above the lucious black in is under the stencil and the background colors are rolled over the stencil.

The thing that I love about the combination of the Tyvek® stencil, the gelatin plate and the speedball water based block printing ink is that it is very easy to make many beautiful, clean edged, completed prints very fast.

So if this sound interesting to you, then check out the details and join us in the online printmaking workshop, Hand Printed Cards + Tyvek® stencils + gelatin plate. Read the details on the workshop page.

• Hand Printed Cards Class
• Online printing workshop
• November 2,  3, and 4, 2018
• $50.00
• Register on the workshop page

I have used processes that allow me to print in a small studio without a press, using non-toxic materials.

Now I am thinking about printing “BIG.”

That big is a relative term. I still have to be able to fit these prints on my table and use most of the tools that I already have. So for me, BIG is about 16″ x 20″

I am going to use the paper that I have in my studio, some mixed media paper, bristol, watercolor and printmaking papers. No need to keep saving these papers for a special project.

I chose 16″ x 20″ because it is still relatively easy to frame.

I made a few prints with a bunch of foam printing plates that I have and I was pleasantly surprised.

Stay tuned as the adventure into printing Bigger continues.