monotype print

Exploring cyanotypes

monotype print, techniques / /

I my Simplify – Gelatin Prints class, I teach a mock cyanotype technique.

mock cyanotype gelatin plate monotype print

I love the mixture of black and cyan ink. I think it produces some nice rich impressions. Delicate weeds and intricate cut glass are good tools for this process.

cut glass as a stamping tool for gelatin plate printmaking

But today I made a few real cyanotype prints. I have been collecting inspiration online and have a list of approaches that I want to try. It does take some planning and preparation.

  • I mixed the chemicals 24 hours earlier.
  • Then I painted the mixture on to the papers
  • Wait for them to dry in a darkroom

Luckily, I had a bright sunny day. I started with few grasses and a test strip. I exposed a little more paper every minute, for a total of 5 minutes. The pale blue was exposed for 1 minute direct bright sun. And the dark blue at the bottom was exposed for 5 minutes

cyanotype test strip

I had prepared a digital negative of a photograph. My printer is low on toner and the black areas were a bit transparent, so I underexposed the print so I would not lose all the detail. I am pretty pleased with the result.

cyanotype print made with a digital negative

The light is always changing and different tools block the light differently too. I really wanted to do a glass cast shadow. I first attempt fail, not enough shadow. As time passed the shadows got longer. Second try much better.

cast shadow cyanotype

I even tried printing on a rock.

cyanotype prints by linda germain

I will continue to play with the cyanotype process. If you would like to explore my mock cyanotype process, then check out the details of the class Simplify – Gelatin Printmaking.

gelatin plate monotype print

 

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In and Out of the Studio

artist book, combined techniques, inspiration, monotype print / /

I think time outside of the studio, feeds what is created in the studio. What is your experience?

artist book relief prints

I often see shadows and leaves on my morning walks that I use as reference in my gelatin printmaking. I collect weeds and grasses to use as masking stencils too.

cast shadows great for drawing

Lately, I have been doing lots of line drawings of faces. Old photos have been the stimulus for some of these drawings. I have also been capturing new images of family members to use as reference.

stylized portrait

Even an extended vacation could inspire a new series or process.

gelatin prints bound into artist books

I just came back from Maine Media for a week long class, A Sense of Place with Isobel Lewis. I enjoyed exploring new book forms and printmaking methods.

If you are looking for a stay at home art vacation option, then check out the self study classes on my workshop page.

botanical gelatin plate monotype prints

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Add a focus to your gelatin print

mark making, monotype print / /

It is easy to make textured and patterned pieces of gelatin plate printed paper. This is a great way to get started with gelatin printmaking.

textured gelatin plate monotype prints

You can learn a lot about:

  • mark making tools
  • kinds of marks that are possible
  • what happens when you layer

These patterned papers can be used for collage or as foundations for a “finished” print.

gel plate prints by linda germain

In the class, Simplify, we use simple stencils like threads, circles and weeds to learn what is possible with ink and the gelatin plate.

gelatin plate print on paper

By working in a dark blue-black color scheme, we can easily layer impressions without the need to consider the color mixing affects of plate ink.

masking stencils for gelatin printmaking

I was thinking that I could add interest and a focus to some of the simplified prints and it might be another way to create a series of “finished” prints.

simplified gelatin plate monotype prints

So today, I pulled out some old weed and circle prints and added a dark focus with a stencil. I was pleased how it transformed the print.

Join us in the online class, Simplify – gelatin prints. Class starts March 1st. Read all the details on the workshop page.

 

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Feeling the chaos? Maybe simplify

inspiration, masking stencils, monotype print / /

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with ideas and then I can’t choose one to play with. Usually, I go for a walk to get some clarity.

simplified gelatin print

Then when I get back to the studio I have a 1-2-3 to do list. I like to have just three items on the list, that way I don’t get overwhelmed by a long list. When I finish the three activities, then I can make another list of 3.

gel plate print by linda germain

I think this helps to create a sense of accomplishment.

This idea of simplifying can be applied to gelatin printmaking too. I will often:

  • Limit my color palette to cyan and black – classic printmaking colors
  • Use just 3 to 5 stencils of different volume or line quality
  • Print on my standard size paper, so that the prints can be easily turned into books

mock cyanotype with gelatin plate

If you would like to explore simplifying your gelatin prints, then check out the details of the upcoming workshop and join us today. The online class starts March 1st.

less is more print

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Simplify and Play – gelatin printmaking

monotype print / /

It is so easy to be inspired by images, tools and surroundings. I often have to step back and simplify my approach.

simplify and play with printmaking

Monochromatic Mountains, the online class is all about simplifying to make more powerful prints.

mountain landscape

Some ways that I simplify:

  1. Limited color palette makes layering easier
  2. Organic torn paper stencils is quick and easy
  3. Leave open space for eye to rest

This does not mean that all my mountain scapes are super simple. I often start in this limited way, go too far on a few prints and circle back to a pleasing composition.

Gelatin printmaking is like a rolling hill for me. My print process has ups and downs, and I try to keep that in mind when things are just not working for me.

abstract mountain scape

Do you have little tricks that you use to move through the ups and downs of your creative process? Simplify might be one way to keep the process moving.

Check out the details – Monochromatic Mountain Scapes, online gelatin printmaking class.

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