Consider alternative papers for Making Monotypes

tools / /
alternative papers for Make Monotypes
alternative papers for Make Monotypes

You know I love to use what I have, rather than go buy a new gadget.  I have plenty of paper and I notice and collect “found” papers. The Haverhill Public Library has a book sale every season and I collect a bag of books for making monotype prints.

This black-out poem could become the substrate for a print, or a bit of collage in an artist’s book.  What about you?  Do you like delicious, expensive printmaking paper?  Or would consider printing on something from the recycling bin?

Next session of Make Monotypes – June 2nd – register on May 7th.

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Piecing Monotype Prints together

mixed media printmaking / /
Monotypes - papers with potential - Linda Germain
Monotypes – papers with potential – Linda Germain

I make lots of monotype prints.  I consider them papers with potential.  You could look at them a imperfect prints and failures.  But I prefer to see:

  • opportunities for learning
  • fun in the afternoon with no pressure to produce and
  • foundations for more printing

This mixed media print above started out as several monotypes pulled on the gelatin plate.  Then I piece them together, added the figures with soft carve relief stamps and then topped it off with some random stitching.

What do you see possibilities or problems?  What would you like to see?

If you see possibilities, then you may be interested in the next session of Make Monotypes.  It is a 6 week online printmaking course.  Check out the details.  Registration is going to open May 7th.  This class fills up fast.

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It’s all About the Printing Plate – Make Monotypes

2010, gelatin plate tips / /
It's all about the Printing Plate in Make Monotypes with Linda Germain
It’s all about the Printing Plate in Make Monotypes with Linda Germain

Yesterday, I melted down 6 or 7 glycerin and gelatin printing plates.  These plates last a long time compared to the gelatin and water printing plate that I used a few years ago.    These plates are so strong and flexible and they do not have to be refrigerated like the gelatin and water recipe.

Why bother making the plate when I could just buy a plate that lasts for ever?

  1. I can make the plate any size or shape that I like.
  2. It is a less expensive way to try out the process.
  3. I like how the homemade plate holds and transfers images and marks

The plate is malleable but strong.  I think the water in the plate and the water in the ink work well together to hold and transfer a delicious delicate mark.  The next session of Make Monotypes starts June 2nd and early bird registration begins May 7th.  Make sure you are on the list, this class has filled very quickly  in the past.  Check out the schedule, supplies and and FAQ’s

Delicate monotype prints on the gelatin and glycerin plate - Linda Germain
Delicate monotype prints on the gelatin and glycerin plate – Linda Germain

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Get it All OUT – so you can see the big picture

inspiration / /
Looking at the BIG picture - Linda Germain
Looking at the BIG picture – Linda Germain

Use what you have – is one of my mottos.   I do have to remind myself of that, before I go buy the next great tool, ink or organizing item.

I found a couple of easels and cork boards and used them to get it all out of my head and on to paper.  Wow!  Does that feel good!  I am a BIG picture thinker, and now I can see it all in a glance.  Why did I wait so long?

How about you?  What guiding principle are you using to get things done and create time to make prints?

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Can you Create in Chaos?

inspiration / /
Can I clear the Chaos? Linda Germain
Can I clear the Chaos? Linda Germain

Moving to a new space has created an opportunity for awareness for me.  It is a huge space and I noticed that I was filling it up with messes just about everywhere.

Is there a message in the mess?

I went around my studio yesterday and took pictures of my piles and projects.  Today with a gentle heart I started with one table and began to organize and sort.  I feel better, and I have just begun.

Could there be clarity in clean?

This is what Einstein said, “Out of clutter, find simplicity.  Form discord, find harmony.  In the middle of difficulty lies opportunity.  –Albert Einstein, The Quotable Einstein.

 

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