Like to explore making monotype prints on the homemade gel plate
Like to learn new techniques for gelatin printmaking
Like a creative boost
If that sounds like you then mark your calendar for August 10th 8 AM EST, and join us for the next session of Make Monotypes. This online printmaking course that explores printing with ink on paper and the homemade glycerin and gelatin printing plate. I look forward to working with you and exploring printmaking without a press with you. Join the mailing list to get notice of new info and opportunities.
These shadows were created with strong sunlight – Linda Germain
The beauty of shadows is that they are simplified, powerful shapes. All of the distracting details are gone. Three quick uses for shadow shapes.
As you can see from the images above, a photo of a shadow can be simple art all on it’s own.
The shadow could be traced and cut into a masking stencil for creating Monotype prints.
Or you could use shadows as a source of inspiration for drawings and for compositional ideas. Seeing shadows can pull you into the present moment and your surroundings. That awareness is a great tool to have at your disposal.
If you would like to explore adding shadow shapes and masking stencils to monotype printmaking on the glycerin and gelatin plate, then join me in the an online class.
Left masking stencil and right inspiration for future stencils
9 thermofax screen prints based on drawings, clip art and text
There is a lot of interest in screen printing. It is kind of a sexy process that most people are aware of but really don’t know what is involved. We all have screen printed t-shirts and tote bags. Above I used:
My own line drawings for the shoe and flowers images
Clip art (copyright free) for the butterfly and coffee cup
Text for the “Love” print
The possibilities are endless for creating screens for printing. I find that I prefermy own drawings, photosand text to using copyright free work.
So this is your challenge, start thinking about your own imagery, drawings, photos and text. Would they make a high contrast image that would be good for a thermofax screen? Collect them all in a folder.
If you would like to take an online printmaking course in screen printing with the thermofax screens, then join the special interest group and I will keep you posted.
Even if you don’t watch that much TV, you can take advantage of all the money and resources that the BIG guys spend to create powerful programing and messages. Ok maybe I am trying to justify all the time I spend in front of the television. Forgive me.
If you are creating art with the intent to communicate with your viewers, then maybe you too can benefit from some of the design choices used by big companies with whole marketing and design teams. (Of course, I am not saying copy them that would not be legal.)
Think of it as research right in your living room. You could even turn off the sound. Grab a sketchbook and notice what catches your attention. Consider:
Where is the focus placed in the frame?
Where do they want to you look?
Is anything repeated?
What does the negative space look like?
How is the the image cropped or framed?
If you found this fun or useful then, please share one discovery in the comments section of this post. I am sure you will inspire others as well.
Take a printmaking class
Would you like to explore gelatin printing with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate in Make Monotypes, the online printmaking class. Check the workshop schedule and sign up.
This is what one student expressed about Make Monotypes, printmaking class:
“This is the first online class that I have stuck with. Linda makes it so easy, enjoyable and productive.” from Emily A.
Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate
Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.
