Keep printmaking simple

foam plate printmaking / /

Soft block relief printing is a great way to get started with printmaking.

soft block relief print by Linda Germain

In the print above, I used black and white ink and 3 foam plates. I played with design elements like value, repetition and balance.

easy to make soft block printing plates

This printmaking process is good for folks who want to explore printmaking but do not have access to a press. It can be done very easily in your home studio.

One thing I have done with all the printing plates in the picture above is kept them all the same size so I can layer and combine them to make interesting larger prints.

soft block print by linda germain

If you would like to explore drawing, pressing and printing with soft block relief plates, then check out the details on the printmaking workshops page.

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Three ways to use Relief Plates

foam plate printmaking / /

As a mixed printmaker,  I like to combine techniques to make unique prints. I also like to use non-toxic methods that do not require a printing press.

Relief plate combined with gelatin plate Linda Germain

One way I use a relief plate is to lift ink off of the gelatin plate. It gives you a monochromatic impression on the plate, that can then be printed on to paper. In the print above, I used the relief plate to make the impression in the ink on the gelatin plate and then I printed the impression on to paper and collaged it into a small book.

eraser stamps create a focus for this print Linda Germain

The second way I like to use relief plates is to directly stamp a focal image on to a mixed media print. The black figure is a carve relief plate and was printed several times in 2 different directions to create the focus of this print.

Relief plates printed to create a pattern - Linda Germain

The third way is to repeated print the plate to create a patterned background, or a textural layer.  In the fabric print above, I used 9 different relief plates to create this textile print. There are 3 layers of printing, a yellow, an orange and the dark orange on top that unifies the whole print.

Check out current online printmaking classes.

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Top tools for making foam relief printing plates

relief prints / /

I have gathered my tools for making printing plates with styrofoam trays and sticky back craft foam.

It is low tech and non-toxic but you can still get some awesome results.

Top tools for making foam relief plates for printmaking without a press

These are my favorite tools:

  1. Pattern wheel makes dotted lines.
  2. Cd case is great for a see through foundation for sticky back foam
  3. Small masking stencils can be combined with the foam plate
  4. Ball point pen is good for drawing strong recessed lines.
  5. Elastics make cool wiggly impressions in the foam
  6. Caps and covers make great round and oval impressions
  7. Metal springs and wheels make strong impressions in the foam
  8. Scissors small and large are needed for cutting
  9. Two strong plexi glass plates make a good see through “foot press”
  10. Soft felt pad makes a good printing surface.

Check out my gallery of some soft plate relief prints – CLICK here.

Foam printing plates ready for printmaking

If you would like to make a bunch of printing plates and learn all the tricks for layering and getting the best impressions from this low tech process, then join us in the next printmaking workshop.

Printmaking without a press and using foam relief plates Linda Germain

  • Class starts August 7th through the 18th
  • 6 short, clear and actionable video lessons
  • Private Facebook group for sharing and Q and A
  • Instructor support, guidance and encouragement
  • Ability to download for lifetime access
  • All for Only $97.00

Registration is open. Go to the printmaking class page to sign up.

 

Low tech printmaking without a press Linda Germain

This is what people are saying about printmaking courses with Linda Germain:

Marsha happy student in Make Monotypes with Linda GermainIf you think that you can’t learn in an online environment, think again!

You will be amazed at how much you learn from Linda. Each day she shows you techniques, through her very informative videos. You can play the videos again and again to further understand the process.

I learned the basics – making a plate, rolling ink (this took some practice!) and pulling a print. I am pleased with this. I feel that I can really move on and explore this technique in greater depth on my own.

Marsha Hardin Reske – Make Monotypes 

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Linda is a clear and thorough teacher, who is even open to suggestions. I would recommend this class to a friend.
Barbara Gould – Make Monotypes

simple printmaking with foam plates Linda Germain

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Printmaking without a Press – demo at the Haverhill Art Market

mixed media printmaking / /

Printmaking without a Press Artist’s Demonstration

  • Linda Germain, mixed media printmaker
  • Haverhill Art Market
  • 90 Washington St
  • June 18th 12 to 5

printmaking without a press demo

Printmaking without a press how is that possible? Actually you are probably very familiar with some printmaking techniques that do not require a press.

Screen printing – everyone has a screen printed t-shirt.

Rubber stamping – This process has be come very familiar to crafters and scrapbooking enthusiasts.

Stenciling – is common. Most of us have seen or used alphabet stencils to make a poster.

A less common process is monotype printing. You will have to come to the Market to see this one!

Come by the Haverhill Artist Market and ask questions, watch demo and maybe even try out one or more of these printmaking without a press techniques.

I will have the tools that I use to make my mixed media prints available and will be giving demos through out the day.

One of my goals is to demystify printmaking and help to make it accessible to everyone. Hope to see you at the Art Market next week.

 

 

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New Gelatin Printmaking Workshop – self study

monotype print / /

You asked for it!

I am happy to deliver a comprehensive 15 lesson self-study of gelatin printmaking with ink, the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate and paper.

 

 

I know that some folks wanted to learn at their own time and pace, so I have re-designed and organized the information and lessons to create a course that guides you through:
  1. Finding supplies
  2. Making the gelatin and glycerin plate
  3. Mastering your inks
  4. Making and discovering tools and
  5. Pulling 100’s of impressions and hopefully
  6. Completing and displaying many beautiful prints

Check out the details on the Printmaking Class page.

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