monotype print

Embrace your mistakes

Gelatin plate print, monotype print / /

Mistakes can be frustrating if you are working hard and put a lot of time and energy into a print. But I try to make art in a way that mistakes are not so painful. I try to see mistakes as a normal and necessary part of gelatin printmaking.

abstract gelatin plate monotype print

Things I do to embrace my mistakes:

  • I use paper that is not too expensive or precious
  • Adjust my expectations, I am satisfied if 2 out of 10 prints are awesome.
  • Recycle and repurpose those less than perfect prints. (this can create a rich printing surface that hopefully draws the viewer in.)
  • Try to identify what is not working and adapt my approach next time
  • Notice what I do like and carry it into future prints

gelatin plate monoprint

How do you feel about mistakes? Are they a friend or foe?

If you have a pile of “mistakes” and would like to rework them, check out the Gelatin Print Project part 2.  You can join us in part 2 if you did not take part 1 as long as you have some experience working with stencils and stamping tools on the gelatin plate. Or you can still take part 1 as well.

Embrace your mistakes Read More »

Video – Simplify – online printmaking class

monotype print, stamping tools / /

I wanted to share this quick video, so you could get an idea of the skills you will learn in the Simplify – Powerful Gelatin Prints class.

In this class we will:

  • Use limited colors to ease layering
  • Modify and choose stencils to create delicate impressions
  • Explore stamping tools to create texture
  • Play with Mock Cyanotypes

READ all the details on the printmaking workshop page.

Video – Simplify – online printmaking class Read More »

Daily doings – art habits

monotype print / /

Do you have daily habits or rituals in your art practice?

watercolor blobs

I like to try out new skills and techniques, and then decide if they fit into my art making practice.

mixed media book

Some things I have tried lately:

  • stylized bird doodles
  • painting watercolor blobs
  • geometric patterns
  • rusting paper
  • found word poems
  • fill in the blank

fill in the blank journal

I think my habits change and new habits lead to new work. I am enjoying the soft cover coptic stitch sketchbook.

soft cover coptic stitch bound book

I make a new one every few weeks. I noticed that how I fill the pages has changed. The one constant is the plant silhouette.

silhouette of plant

I encourage you to:

  • try out new habits/techniques
  • look back at your work
  • notice your constant (signature) mark making style
  • Celebrate your discoveries

If you would like to explore some new techniques and book forms, then join us in the online Mixed Media Retreat. Read all the details on the workshop page. Class to be scheduled.

sketchbook linda germain

Daily doings – art habits Read More »

Monoprinting Fabric with the gelatin plate – self study

monotype print / /

I am making the online class, Monoprinting Fabric into a self-study. So it is available now and when you are ready to explore gelatin printing on fabric.

Gelatin Print on fabric with fern

  • 9  online pre-recorded lessons with 27 short videos
  • 12 different techniques
  • short actionable videos to get you printing right away
  • Ability to download videos for personal use

One student reports:

Monoprinting on Fabric has been a fabulous course. There is a lot there to keep me going for a very long time. I love your teaching style, very encouraging, supportive, clear and fun. Patricia G. from the UK

So if you have been thinking about exploring printing on fabric with the gelatin plate, then check out the details on the workshop page.

 

Monoprinting Fabric with the gelatin plate – self study Read More »

Reset – Your art practice

monotype print / /

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.

shadows and drawing practice

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

Pamphlet stitched books

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.

sketch booking by the lake

Reset – Your art practice Read More »