monotype print Archives - Page 5 of 49

Reset – Your art practice

monotype print / Linda Germain / January 14, 2022

Today, I am having phone challenges and the advice is to reboot or reset or even restore to manufacturers settings if needed. Hmm? These options must some how correct the function of the system.

Reboot is the simpler and less invasive approach, a simple power down, wait a minute and turn it back on. It is like a quick refresh/clean.

The Reset option is a little more intense. Basically tell the system to forget most of what you taught it, like log ins and passwords.

And the Restore option wipes the phone clean and removes all evidence that you were there.

What does this have to do with making art? Hmmm. It got me thinking about ways to stimulate my art practice.

I know that creating is an up and down process for me. I will make pleasing prints and ugly ones too. They all have their purpose. But I was thinking to apply the reboot, reset or restore idea to the down times in my practice.

I could ask myself:

How is my system functioning?
Do I need a deep clean or a little refresh?
Are there areas/habits/practices that I want to permanently delete?

Ways to Reboot my art practice:

Daily walks
Make stuff just for fun
Clear off my workbench

Ways to Reset my art practice:

Go through old work and get rid of it, give away, etc
Pass on tools and supplies that I don’t use
Identify the skills and techniques that currently move me to action – do more of them

A Way to Restore my art practice:

How would I restore my artistic self to “manufacturer’s settings”? This would require time, thought and discovery. A retreat in a wonderful art community sounds good.

My original settings? a maker who likes to guide others to make stuff too.

I hope that you are enjoying your art making process, but if you are not then maybe try a Reboot, Reset or Restore. Or check out the current online classes being offered.

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Time to admire – gelatin printmaking

gelatin print tips, mixed media printmaking, monotype print / Linda Germain / October 13, 2021

Gelatin Printmaking can be fast and furious. The process lends itself to pulling lots of prints and layers with minimal preparation.

It is easy to get lost in the process.

I often tell my students that it can be like a roller coaster of ups and downs. I may pull several pleasing impressions to be followed by several ugly prints.

To enjoy the roller coaster ride of gelatin printmaking:

Know ahead of time that there will be prints you like and others you don’t
Focus on the things you like, rather than the problems
Take time to admire your successes. Pin it to the wall, stand back and enjoy.

Another tool I use to create success in my printmaking, is to embrace the 80/20 rule. If I get 2 outstanding prints out of 1o then I consider it a success. Those 8 other prints inform and create space for the magical pieces that I really love.

If you want to create more pleasing gelatin prints, then join us in the online class, Monochromatic Mountains. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Value matters – Printmaking

Gelatin plate print, mark making, monotype print, stencils, techniques / Linda Germain / October 5, 2021

Sometimes, I look at a print that I am working on and feel that something is missing. I need something to make it pop or something to pull it all together.

Often I can do that by adding a very dark mark or a very light mark.

Value, the range of light to dark is often over looked. Color is easier to see so it often gets more attention.

Some painters do grey scale “drafts” before they paint with color.

One way to check for range of value is to take a black and white photo of your print. Do you see some very light areas as well as some very dark marks?

Another way I check for range of value is to squint at the print. If it blurs into one soft medium mass, then I need to look for ways to add dark darks or light lights.

If you want to build your skills for creating prints with a strong range of value, then join us in the upcoming online class, check out the current printmaking classes.

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Explore potential marks

monotype print / Linda Germain / August 26, 2021

One printmaking assignment in Art School might be to see how many different kinds of marks you can make on a relief style block.

This would usually be a carving process with wood, linoleum or rubber. I played with the assignment to make the sampler blocks above with soft foam plates.