Can I use the commercial gel plate and acrylic paint?
Some of the techniques can be done with the commercial plate and acrylic open paint. And I know many people use that combination of materials. Personally I have not had the same kind of success, because the paint dries too quickly, and the paint does not create the transparent layers that I love.
I do feel that the techniques are most easily achieved with the water based homemade plate and the water based block printing ink. This combination keeps thin layers of ink alive and workable for longer periods of time.
I think there is a big difference between the two kinds of plates and working with ink versus paint. But every artist has his/her own preferences and goals.
That being said I have students and know artists who use other inks or paints with their own success.
How is the content delivered?
Great question. Each lesson day new content will be available to you in the private classroom. There you will find written text and one or more videos for the day’s lesson. I believe that the best way for you to improve your skills is to make lots of marks. So the videos are short and meant to inspire you to action.
Questions can be asked and answered in the classroom or on the private Facebook Group. The Facebook Group is a rich supportive resource that I suggest you become a part of, but it is not required. It is quite simple to be part of the group. You just need a personal profile and then I can add you to the group. There is no need to “friend” people.
Does the class meet at a certain time?
No. You do not have to be at your computer at a specific time.
After the daily videos and lessons are released 12:00 AM UTC, you will be able to access the information at any time that is convenient to you. I will send an email reminder when new lessons are released.
What type of computer or online skills do I need to participate?
You will need high speed internet access so that you can stream videos.
Students need one of these browsers up to date.
Desktop:
- Chrome
- Firefox
- Safari
- Microsoft Edge
Mobile:
- iOS Safari: 11 and up
- Chrome
- Samsung Internet
Do the videos have subtitles?
(The videos do not have subtitles, but there is a simple way of adding them if you use Chrome as your browser. It is easy to set up. The ‘Live Caption’ setting then adds English subtitles. You can find out how to set it up here.)
Who is this class for?
The Monochromatic Mountains weekend printmaking workshop is for anyone who is willing to simplify their gelatin printmaking and focus on the skills of value, composition and dynamic division of space.
I think beginners to advanced, crafters and professional can always benefit by focusing on some important design elements. This type of challenge will often feed your own practice in ways you did not imagine.
How much time is required each day?
Hmmm. Required is a strong word. You get out of it what you put into it.
So that said, nothing is ever required. My hope is that you will be able to use this course to commit extra time to your art practice – maybe 30 to 60 minutes a day depending on what we are doing.
How long will I have access to the materials?
You can download the videos and content to your computer to keep for personal use forever. You willl have online access to the classroom for 1 year.
How are payments handled?
Paypal and major credit cards.
What happens after I register for the course?
Thank-You and Welcome! You will have created your password. You are lead to the student dashboard where you can login and start with the pre-course items.
Back to the Monochromatic Mountains Workshop page.