Printmaking takes patience

drawing fluid screen print / /
drawing fluid and screen filler method of screen printing
drawing fluid method of screen printing

I should write a book the impatient printmaker. Or I need to be more patient.

When I am inspired by a tool, drawing, found object or photo, I want to incorporate into a print right away. That is why I love found object mark making tools.

I am exploring the drawing fluid method of screen printing and needing patience to let the fluid dry, then let the filler dry, wash it out, let the screen dry and then time to print.

I like using the embroidery hoop, because I can save and reuse the screen – no wash out required.

If you would like to explore the drawing fluid and screen filler method of screen printing with a group of artists, then join the next session of Pulling Screen Prints, the online printmaking class.

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Pulling lots of little screen prints

drawing fluid screen print / /

I believe the more I practice, fail and experiment, then the more I learn. I have been learning a lot this week.

I got some new drawing fluid and filler, some curtain sheers and embroidery hoops. I have been figuring out how to quickly make little line drawings into screens that I can save and reuse.

Enjoy the quick video of some layers and layers of screen prints.

I think I would like to develop a vocabulary of signature marks. Daily doodling and a sketchbook will help me id the kinds of marks that I like.

drawing fluid and filler screen prints on paper by Linda Germain
Layers of screen prints

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Easy Lightbox for transferring images

screen printing / /
Attached artwork to a Window as light box for image transfer - Linda Germain
Window as light box for image transfer – Linda Germain

The sun and a window make a great light box for transferring drawings to new contact paper.

Here I –

  • taped my original sketch to the window
  • tape contact paper on top of the original and
  • Trace the original on to the contact paper
  • Then cut out the stencil
  • apply to screen and
  • print

This print is a compilation of many experimental screen printing stencils. The brown jug is a contact paper stencil.  If you would like to explore experimental screen printing then join us in the next session of Pulling Screen Prints – the online printmaking class. Register today and save!  Read the details here.

Many experimental screen prints linda germain
Experimental screen printing

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Drawing habit to support printmaking

drawings / /

Draw to improve printmaking skills and options Linda GermainI love found marks and tools.

Drawing for me is work, not really pure joy. But the longer I am an artist the more I realize that drawing opens up options.

I think one thought that holds me back is the idea that I have to draw the “teacher’s” way, or realistically, or something other than what I do.

Funny, why don’t I give myself more space to play, experiment and learn to draw freely with more confidence and less judgment.

Lately, I have been doing some quick line drawings of teapots. Strong expressive line drawings are perfect for photo emulsion screen printing.

 

Different types of drawing are best for different screen printing methods:

  • Great shapes with good negative space would be good for paper stencils
  • Strong bold line drawings would be good for the screen filler and drawing fluid method
  • Dark and delicate details would be good for photo emulsion screen printing method.

Check out upcoming online printmaking workshops.

 

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Screen printing on rusted fabric

rust prints, screen printing / /

Screen printed cotton fabric that has been rusted with vinegar, water and metal bits by linda germainI collect bits of rust on my daily walks.

Lay them on fabric that is dampened with vinegar and water and let the magic happen. This takes a little planning and patience.

Today, I ironed the fabric and played with screen printing over the whole piece of cloth.

This is a thermofax screen that I made with a photocopy of actual grass. I also played with attaching the thermofax screen to a bigger screen to stabilize it for printing.

It worked!

I used Createx Acrylic Color for Screen printing. It comes in a squeezable plastic bottle. I love it because I can just squirt out small amounts.

I am so messy when I get screen printing. This eliminates the need for a palette knife, spoon or cardboard scoop.

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