Mixed Media Printmaking Blog

Video of gelatin prints with akua color

2010, Gelatin plate print / Linda Germain / October 3, 2012

Enjoy a quick slide show of my first few prints with Akua Kolor ink on the gelatin plate. I just used copy paper, bristol board and tissue paper.

I am quite happy with the results.
The ink goes a long way
It holds detail
You can squirt a small amount right on to the plate
It cleans up with water
It dries fixed

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New Inks to Experiment with on the Gelatin Plate

2010, Uncategorized / Linda Germain / September 27, 2012

Today my order from Dick Blick arrived. I am going to try the Akua Kolor with the gelatin plate and I also got some createx Monotype ink.

I know other printmakers have used these ink with success, so let’s see how I do. I am sure I will learn a lot.

That is what I like learning something new or figuring out how to to something new.

Happy Printing!

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Agar Agar in place of Gelatin for Printimaking?

2010, gelatin plate care, gelatin plate tips / Linda Germain / September 24, 2012

I have had some questions about whether it is possible to use the seaweed based, agar agar instead of gelatin when making gelatin prints. Well I tried it this past week end. I had to guess on the ratio of water to flakes of agar agar. The plate came out a bit stiff and brittle. I was able to make some prints. So I guess it is possible to use the agar agar. It did not work as well as gelatin for me, but I could have the recipe wrong. I used 1/2 the bag for 4 cups of water.

I reconstituted the plate and added more water. I will let you know if it is any less brittle. I think if you are familiar with cooking agar agar it helps a lot. There is a great resource that compares the two here.

Agar is an alternative for those who do not use animal products. Though I do not use it I have had several students who have tried the agar plate. They have had mixed results. Some have chosen to use the commercially available Gelli plate from Gelli Arts.

So there are plenty of printing plate options. It will depend on the artist’s goals and priorities which plate is preferred.

I love the spongey nature of the glycerin and gelatin plate recipe. I like the way it holds and transfers ink.

You can get the Free recipe for the gelatin and glycerin plate here.

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Moving the Gelatin Plate to the Refrigerator

2010, gelatin plate care, gelatin print tips / Linda Germain / September 23, 2012

My niece told me that the first time she made the gelatin plate she tried to put it in the refrigerator right away, just after pouring it into the shallow plan. ooooh what a messy spill! So I share her story so you don’t have a mess of gelatin to clean up. I let the gelatin harden on the counter top before I try to move it to the refrigerator. If you make the plate in a container with higher sides then I imagine that it would be easy to put it into the refrigerator right away.

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Red Strong – a gelatin plate original print

2010, monotype print / Linda Germain / September 23, 2012

One of a kind original monotype print by Linda Germain. This image size is 6″ x 8″ and the paper size is 8″ x 10″ Please note the frame is not included.

This gelatin plate monotype was inspired by the power of kids.

The 8″ x10″ size is perfect for popping into a standard frame for quick and easy display.

To learn more about my gelatin printmaking process check out this video.

If you have questions please email me prior to purchase linda@lindagermain.com

Give this fun print a new home. Choose your shipping location and follow the paypal instructions.Thanks,

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