artist book

Mark Making as a process

artist book, mark making / /

Mark making can be simple or complex. For me it is a process of layering shapes, lines, textures and colors.

make marks

It is some what intuitive and always evolving. The next mark is informed by all those that came before.

make marks

For that reason I like to:

  • leave plenty of white space
  • use transparent layers
  • be willing to not know what is next

Making with a variety of marks like:

  • drawing
  • scribbling
  • stamping or
  • rubbing

leads to prints with a complex texture and visual story. This kind of story is often powerful enough to convey a story with multiple meanings.

Knowing when to leave space and how to connect marks is unique to the maker and is developed through the process.

In the online class, Making Marks and Books we will explore this process of evolving marks to complete a book. Come to class with the skills you already enjoy and explore:

  • gelatin printing thing textures layers
  • tool making with foam and cardboard
  • release feeling and emotion with scribbles

Check out all the details and join us – class starts soon.

make Marks

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Making for the mind

artist book, collage, drawings, inspiration / /

I have been playing with drawing and collage lately. I can do these activities while I watch a funny show or listen to upbeat music.

sketchbook habits and ideas

Printmaking is a bit more physical and takes more focus.

delicate gelatin plate monotype print by linda germain

Am I tired? Hmmm? Am I looking for a more relaxing making activity?

collage and drawing ideas for sketchbook practice

I am not sure. I don’t think this was a conscious decision. But in the process I have embraced some processes that are relaxing and fun. And I think that these new practices are developing my seeing and design skills.

soft cover coptic stitch book

For more art making habits check out this post on Ways to motivate. Enjoy!

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Go back to your sketchbook

artist book, inspiration, relief prints / /

I have been using a sketchbook a lot more in the past year. It is quite satisfying to fill one up.

sketch booking by the lake

Sometimes I get too focused on finishing up a sketchbook. They end up on a shelf or in a box.Pamphlet stitched books

Then I remembered that they can be used as source material for more drawings and prints. So this may be obvious to you, but it is a new idea for me, to use the original sketches as reference to make more drawings.

sketchbook

So get out some of those old sketchbooks and draw! Some of these doodles and drawings make even inspire printing plates or stencils. Keep it fun!

foam plates for relief printing

If you are interested in relief printing with foam plates, then check out the details on the workshop page and join us in the Soft Plate Relief Printing class. This online class starts soon.

 

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Trust yourself – Make Marks

artist book, drawings, inspiration / /

Sometimes, I just have to begin and trust that the path will evolve.

japanese stab binding

I do this “just begin” thing a lot, and I am still surprised when magic happens, things work out and I make something that I like or learn from.

walk to fill the well

I keep it simple to begin:

  • take a photo
  • go for a walk
  • clean my work bench for 20 minutes
  • make some doodles

So I say try it, and see what happens. I think it helps to let go of any demands that it work out and just explore the present moment.

soft cover coptic stitch

Before you know it you may have a whole collection of art work! Check out the current online class offerings

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Books a good way to show off your monoprints

artist book, handmade books, mixed media printmaking / /

piles of prints with potentialIf you are an experimental monotype printmaker like me, then you probably have a lot of prints and papers with potential.

stab bound book of monotype prints

The books above are bound in the manner of Japanese Stab binding. This form works well with a soft cover and hard back, and a long landscape style format. We will learn this book form in the Mixed Media Retreat.

accordion style books

Accordion style books are great for display.

I think the natural evolution is to start making books with some of those prints. Things you could make with your prints:

  • book covers
  • end pages
  • whole bound book of prints
  • spine covers

Pamphlet stitched books

Pamphlet stitch binding easy and useful.

If you are curious to get started with some simple book forms, then check out the details, of the online Mixed Media Retreat. We will learn 6 book forms and several layering techniques that will put your prints to good use.

soft cover coptic stitch binding

Soft cover coptic binding is great for books that open flat.

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