monotype print Archives - Page 2 of 49

In and Out of the Studio

artist book, combined techniques, inspiration, monotype print / Linda Germain / May 15, 2024

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

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.

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.

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

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.

In and Out of the Studio Read More »

Add a focus to your gelatin print

mark making, monotype print / Linda Germain / February 19, 2024

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

Add a focus to your gelatin print Read More »

Feeling the chaos? Maybe simplify

inspiration, masking stencils, monotype print / Linda Germain / February 12, 2024

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.

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.

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

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.

Feeling the chaos? Maybe simplify Read More »

Simplify and Play – gelatin printmaking

monotype print / Linda Germain / February 22, 2023

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

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

Some ways that I simplify:

Limited color palette makes layering easier
Organic torn paper stencils is quick and easy
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.

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.

Simplify and Play – gelatin printmaking Read More »

Abstract Landscapes – quick and easy learning

monotype print / Linda Germain / February 16, 2023

I find that making abstract landscapes builds design skills in a fun and responsive way.

Composition can be a daunting skill to “learn.” But I think it is a skill that is honed over time. It is part instruction and rules and part instinct and ideas.

This combination leads to unique style and expression.

I think testing out concepts like:

value change
division of space
rule of thirds

leads to an understanding of what you like and don’t like in your artwork. This can lead to more confident self expression.

This kind of experimentation with design concepts is one of the reasons I like gelatin printmaking so much. Gel printing is fast and I can pull several prints that are very similar quite quickly.

And yet often my gut says I like one a lot more than the others. My design skills and preferences are guiding my gut. I can see how:

a slightly different division of space is more pleasing, or
how a strong dark mark makes a print pop, or
how just the right amount of white space gives the viewer space to rest.

This type of comparison and slight variations is possible because I work on lots of prints at the same time. If I get a couple of really pleasing prints in one session of printing, then I call that a success.

Often the keepers are a combination of:

skill and knowledge,
evolution of prior prints and
happy circumstance

If you would like to explore this type of approach to gelatin printmaking and skill building, then join us in Monochromatic Mountain Scapes, online workshop. This focused approach will take your gelatin printing to a new level.

Abstract Landscapes – quick and easy learning Read More »