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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The Master Repeats

Gelatin plate print / /
the masters repeat - make many prints to gain skills - Linda Germain
the masters repeat – make many prints to gain skills – Linda Germain

I have joined Jennifer Lee in her Right Brainers in Business Summit – 2014. She offers wisdom from a range of speakers for the next 14 days.  Check out the details.  Well, I did not think I had time to listen, but I was so inspired by Michael Port on Monday, that I am looking forward to the next few days.

Michael said, “the masters repeat.”  If you want to be a great dancer or piano player you practice, practice, practice.  This was so affirming, because that is how I feel about making monotypes.  To improve or gain printmaking skills, you must repeat, repeat, repeat.   I make many prints and to get a few that I like.  I try to encourage my students to do the same.

What about you?  Do believe practice and repetition  are necessary to obtain new skills?

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It takes patience….

rust prints / /
Rust for distressing paper and fabric - Linda Germain
Rust for distressing paper and fabric – Linda Germain

Spring comes, the snow melts and reveals lots of rusty metal bits.  I have a box of such treasures.  I love the textures and colors of decay.  Today, I spritzed some cotton fabric  with a vinegar and water mix.  Then I layered and wrapped the fabric with rusty metal.  Now I need the patience to leave it all alone until it dries.  Links to some of my other rust experiments.

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