techniques

This was my TO DO list today.

I needed to

• make some space on my workbench
• take the time to play with the woodblock that I made last week in class
• gather the tools for my experiments.
• Then most importantly let it be FUN!

If you are having trouble getting started with you next art making project try out the “Space + Time + Tools = FUN” formula.

Often we can be distracted from making art because we think that we do not have:

• Enough space
• Any time
• Right Tools

That might be true, but if you really want to make art you can often find the time and space and then use the tools that you do have.

For example, woodblock printing is new to me. After taking a workshop at MassART with Lisa Houck, I wanted to continue to experiment with the blocks that I had made.

Even before the 2 day workshop started I hunted through my stuff for carving tools, wood, watercolors and paper. I borrowed watercolors from a friend and made do with the paper and tools that I had.

The thing that was going to stop me was time!

I reminded myself to “feed” my art habit first, then I would be in a space to share what I learn with others. [Like the oxygen mask in a crashing plane scenario. :)]

This kind of support, sharing and structure is what I hope to give you in the Mixed Media Printmakers Online Retreat. I want to help you find the space, time and tools to have some fun with printing, collaging and bookmaking.

I think that this kind of supported action will help to feed your art practice.

Read the details on the printmaking workshop page and join us today. Class starts July 7th.

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Light rain and the raindrops in puddles inspired me to make some marbled monotypes for today’s #SeeDrawPrint challenge.

I used nontoxic suminagashi inks and a small water bath. I pulled about 5 prints. It is easy to get addicted and to be lost in the process.

You need to have a very still and level surface. Today the trains and the the roof fan on my studio were vibrating the table.

I like a kind of modern print with big bold shapes of ink. But if the ink is too heavy it starts to sink below the surface as in the image above.

I tried printed over some orange prints that I pulled a few months ago. It worked ok but the paper did not absorb all the black ink and it smeared a bit. I think I might try covering some small notebooks with a few of these prints.

Printmaking is a little bit of a mystery to most people. It is hard to visualize the steps involved. Take away the press and then, it is even more confusing. Let me help!

I am here to make printmaking familiar and doable for you.

Printmaking is making an indirect mark made with pressure.

Some familiar ways of printing are:

• Stamps – they are raised areas of the surface, that catch ink or paint. These can also be called relief blocks.
• Stencils – are known to most. Think of wall stencils from colonial times. Think of t-shirt stencils. A stencil is a hole in a piece of paper that ink is pushed through.

Both of these types of printmaking without a press are accessible to most folks. A visit to the local craft store will hook you up with plenty of starter tools.

Monotype printing is a little more artsy. The language can confuse people. Monotype is merely a one of a kind, not repeatable print. Think of a Rorschach ink blot, that is a monotype print.

Another way to make a monotype is to paint on glass and then while it is still wet, lay a paper on top and press. The ink is transferred to the paper.

Gelatin Plate Monotype printing has become very popular because it does not need a printing press to transfer the ink to the paper.

This process is my passion because with the right materials you can make beautiful detailed impressions that rival more sophisticated and labor intensive techniques such as etching and solar printing.

If you would like to explore monoprinting on fabric with the support of a group of artists, then check out the details on the printmaking workshops page and join us today.

 

I am in my little art world and think that everyone knows what I am talking about when I use words like stencil, monotype, and gelatin plate printing.

Not True!

So I am here to demystify some of the art terms the I use everyday.

Stencil – A cut out design, through which you “push” ink to make a print or impression.

Stenciling – gently applying ink to a surface through the hole in a cut out design. Usually ink is thinly applied with a brush or sponge.

(example below )

Masking stencil – is a cut out shape the block the transfer of ink to the paper or fabric or other printing surface.

(examples below)

Print – is an impression, mark that is made under pressure. It is an indirect mark that creates a design.

(example below)

Printmaking without a press – was of printing that don’t require a press, types include, screen printing, relief printing, stamping, stenciling rubbings, and gelatin plate monotype printmaking.

(Example below is a relief print)

Monotype – is a one of a kind print that is made without some sort of repeatable matrix/design.

(example below)

Monoprint – is a one of a kind print that is made with a repeatable matrix/design (i.e. an etching or block print is primary part of the print with extra one of a kind marks)

(example below the face is a screen print that can be repeated)

Gelatin plate monotype print – one of a kind print that is made by transferring ink from the surface of a soft, spongy plate of gelatin to paper with hand pressure.

(examples below except the tree on the right is a Thermofax print on top of a gelatin plate print)

Print in process on the gelatin plate

Screen printing – process where the stencil design is attached to a screen with very fine mesh. Then ink is pulled across the tight screen with a squeegee and the ink them goes through the tiny holes onto the paper, fabric or other printing surface.

(examples below)

Thermofax Screen Printing – A Thermofax machine is an old heat based type of copy machine. It can create small detailed designs to be used by artists and crafter. The beauty of this method is that photographic images and detail drawings can be converted into a screen in a matter of seconds and the results are reliable. The way it works is that a carbon based drawing is sandwiched with the emulsion coated screen and run through the machine. The heat of the machine, melts the emulsion and creates the stencil. The machines and roll of emulsion are expensive. But you can find Thermofax screen sellers all over the internet. They make the screen for you and send it to you. I have a kit of 8 screens and the how to get started videos that you can buy.

(examples below)

Check out the current printmaking workshops that I am offering.

This weekend slipped away.  I squeezed in 2 trace monoprints for today and yesterday.  I find it is easier to stay motivated when I commit to make prints with a friend.  It is the promise and the accountability.  It is about doing what I say I am going to do.  What about you?  Do you rely on your friends to motivate you?  Do you motivate your friends?

If you like to be motivated by others then check out the next, the online printmaking class.