monotype print

It is so easy to buy art supplies online and in the craft stores. The industry has made it so accessible and easy for us to get printing and making mixed media marks. That is a good thing.

But don’t you want your artwork, your prints to be uniquely you, to tell your story and communicate your story to your viewers? YES!

One way to make prints that are all about you, your story and your visual journey is to use stencils that you make from your drawings, cuttings and photos.

To make your own stencils you need to start to see your world with a “stencil” filter. Begin to notice images, drawing and situations that would make great stencils.

Three Qualities of a Good Stencil image for Printmaking

1. The image has a strong interesting shape
2. There are a few key details that define the energy of the image
3. It carries some emotional charge for you

Check out my 8 Stencil Cutting tips here or join us in the next session of Make Monotypes and really explore stencil making and usage with the support of an international group of artists. Check out the details on the printmaking workshop page here.

Do you spend hours pinning images and watching Youtube videos, when your really want to make beautiful prints?

• Want to start making monotype prints?
• Have more control over your impressions?
• Get answers guidance and support for printing with the gelatin plate?

You are just in time to join us in Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink, paper and the homemade glycerin and gelatin plate.

Today is the last day to get the early bird discount.

Need more info, student samples, and testimonials then go here.

I would love to help you make more beautiful monotype prints!

Foam relief plate are super easy to make. You can buy sticky back foam and cut it into shapes, stick the shapes on an old CD cover, piece of wood or recycled foam produce tray.

Generally you would ink the relief plate and the print it off. But I use these little printmaking tools to work into the think layer of ink on the gelatin and glycerin printing plate.

To make it easier to remove the relief stamp from the surface of the gelatin plate, I made a  little “handle”. I simply taped a strip of foam core to the backside of the relief plate. This “handle” makes it easier to pick up and move around.

Are you ready to explore printmaking without a press? Consider an online printmaking workshop.

Do you collect art? Make art? Buy art?

I like making and experimenting with materials. Framing and finishing is not my favorite part of making art. That is kind of funny, because you might think that the whole point of visual art is to look at it.

That is one part of visual art, but the process of making the art is the most important to me.

Tools for cutting mats and framing artwork. Sharp blades and straight edges are super important.

This photograph of the Basiliere Bridge is available for purchase. Stop in at the Haverhill Artist’s Market on January 16th 12 to 5 PM. 90 Washington St, next to the Tap Brewery

The committee of the Haverhill Artist Market have decided to have some fun with the art market in January.

They are having a beach party. So I am gathering some of my beach and summer themed art to have it available for purchase at the

• Haverhill Art Market on
• Saturday, January 16th
• 12 to 5 PM

This is a re-print of an original monotype that I made of my brother fishing off the pier in Rye Harbor many years ago.

I have matted these small prints to 5″ x 7″ and they will be affordably priced and available at the art market.

What would you do to have a beach party in January?

As the temperature drops and the heating bill rises, I look forward to this beach party!