You need to be gentle with metal  tools when you use them with gelatin plate. Metal could easily pierce or cut the gelatin plate.

I like how I can lightly run the sprocket over the inked area of the plate and then print of the sprocket on a clean area of the gelatin plate.

Line element can be:

• bold
• chaos
• meandering
• directive

If you would like to explore making monotypes on the glycerin and gelatin plate join the next session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course. Read about the details of the class. Class starts soon.

I see printmaking tools all around me. Today I am going to share how a rubber jar opener can be used to work into the thin layer of ink on the gelatin plate.

The idea is to work into the thin layer of ink on the gelatin plate. So I use the rubber jar opener to lift off ink. It eventually becomes coated with ink and then I can use it to apply delicate marks back on to the plate.

I challenge you to dig through your miscellaneous kitchen utensil drawer and see if you have a rubber jar opener that could become a new printmaking tool.

The magic  starts to happen when you play with many pieces of paper and layer your marks. If you would like some help exploring gelatin printmaking, with the homemade glycerin and gelatin plate, then join us in the next session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course. 

• Early bird registration opens January 24, 2016
• Next session will be offered in February 22, 2016