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.
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Experiment with easy printmaking techniques – Play today
I wanted to share with you some inspiration, that I have just come across. Play is key to creation, problem solving and an alternative to fear.
Kids do it. Animals do it. Successful people do it. Is play part of your day? I read that play is:
apparently purposeless and
creates a freedom from time and
diminished consciousness of self
Are you ready to play? Consider one of these 5 printmaking techniques or something that is comfortable and easy for you. Really let go of expectations and constraints. Maybe get some inspiration from kids or animals. Embrace the ideas above and see what happens.
If you would like some support around playing with printmaking, then join me for the fall session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink on paper. Get on the special list today.
Do you have a summer fun list? Are you getting some fun into your days? If YES, then great and if not, then let’s start. Maybe you have a stack of monotype gel prints that could be put to good use.
Bookmaking is a great way to use up practice prints and recycled papers, to make art that can be handled, transformed and enjoyed. Remember this is suppose to be fun. Everyone has a different definition of fun, so pick yours and make a book.
If you love fast and easy, then collect some papers and a cardboard backing and bind with 2 metal ring binders.
If you love nature and twigs then, try a stab binding and a bit of twine.
If you love to sew then, choose a simple pamphlet stitch and some sturdy paper.
Then once you have your mini masterpiece, share it, use it, handle it, display it and enjoy it.
Books as art, are quite personal and have a unique ability to connect the artist, viewer and materials.
Do you have a message that could be communicated through an art book? Share your thoughts below.
