monotype print

Do you see a printmaker in this picture?

ideal student for Make Monotypes
Do you see yourself in this picture? then you may be the ideal student for Make Monotypes.

Before every session, of Make Monotypes, I make a collage of my ideal student. I like to get in touch with you.  I like to remind myself of your:

  • adventurous spirit
  • willingness to play
  • interest in color and layering
  • art as passion or hobby
  • desire to be part of a group
  • printmaker, fiber artist, mixed media, surface designer and more

If you see yourself in this collage, then check out the details of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink on paper and the homemade gelatin and glycerin printing plate.

 

Do you see a printmaker in this picture? Read More »

Take Action-Join the next session of Make Monotypes

jump into action and join the next session of Make monotypes
Join the next session of Make Monotypes

Are you a creative person who would:

  • Thrive in your art making with some group support
  • Like to explore making monotype prints on the homemade gel plate
  • Like to learn new techniques for gelatin printmaking
  • Like a creative boost

If that sounds like you then mark your calendar for August 10th 8 AM EST, and join us for the next session of Make Monotypes.  This  online printmaking course that explores printing with ink on paper and the homemade glycerin and gelatin printing plate.  I look forward to working with you and exploring printmaking without a press with you.  Join the mailing list to get notice of new info and opportunities.

Take Action-Join the next session of Make Monotypes Read More »

TV can inspire composition and design choices for printmaking

Even if you don’t watch that much TV, you can take advantage of all the money and resources that the BIG guys spend to create powerful programing and messages. Ok maybe I am trying to justify all the time I spend in front of the television. Forgive me.

Make prints more compelling – TV

2 gelatin prints by linda germain showing compositional choices
Fill the Frame and Notice negative spaces.

I learn a lot about:

If you are creating art with the intent to communicate with your viewers, then maybe you too can benefit from some of the design choices used by big companies with whole marketing and design teams.  (Of course, I am not saying copy them that would not be legal.)

Think of it as research right in your living room.  You could even turn off the sound. Grab a sketchbook and notice what catches your attention. Consider:

  • Where is the focus placed in the frame?
  • Where do they want to you look?
  • Is anything repeated?
  • What does the negative space look like?
  • How is the the image cropped or framed?

If you found this fun or useful then, please share one discovery in the comments section of this post.  I am sure you will inspire others as well.

Take a printmaking class

Would you like to explore gelatin printing with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate in Make Monotypes, the online printmaking class. Check the workshop schedule and sign up.

This is what one student expressed about Make Monotypes, printmaking class:

“This is the first online class that I have stuck with. Linda makes it so easy, enjoyable and productive.” from Emily A.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

TV can inspire composition and design choices for printmaking Read More »

Making the background of my monotype prints first

Work parts of the plate a different times. - Monotype print by Linda Germain
Work parts of the plate a different times. – Monotype print by Linda Germain

Today, I did begin printing with a bit of of plan.  I started with my light colors and made some textured backgrounds that still had some white in them.  I worked up 5 or 6 sheets of paper and then went to my focus figure.  I used the dark blue but
still only worked part of the plate.

I did not leave marks on the plate.  If there was a very light impression left then I picked it up with a clean sheet of paper.  Often this light layers, or partial pick ups create an interesting print.

Pull lots of prints to get one you like - linda germain
Pull lots of prints to get one you like – linda germain

 

Making the background of my monotype prints first Read More »

Loosely painted monotype flower print

painted monotype by linda germain
painted monotype by linda germain

I used the createx monotype colors today.  They are the consistency of acrylic paint.  They are easy to apply with a brush.   I decided to be loose and just have fun with it.

I sometimes wonder why people do painted monotypes.  I like the secondary ghost prints.  I like how I can use the left over ink to continue to work the image.  I like the way the brush mark is captured in the impression.

Have you played with the painted monotype?

We will introduce this process in the next session of Make Monotypes. Check out the details here.

Loosely painted monotype flower print Read More »