Staying on Task

inspiration / /

black out poem on old book page

Black Out Poem on an Old Book Page, while having breakfast.

  • Do you bounce around from one interest to the next?
  • Do you have some many inspirations you can choose what to do first? or
  • Do you have a single focus and know exactly what you are going to do next?

screen printed napkin and coffee

screen printed napkin and coffee and sketchbook – alway time to make art.

I think as a mixed media printmaking I am inspired by a lot and often have time choosing what to do next, because there are so many things that I want to do:

  • collect
  • draw
  • rip, tear, collage
  • build
  • burn
  • sew
  • scribble
  • print

cast shadow to inspire stencils

Cast shadow to inspire stencils. Capture them with your phone.

I have been told that I need a focus. Hmmm? Sometimes I take that advice and consider it’s value. And I have reframed it to mean:

I choose a focus for this moment/project.

cast shadow to inspire stencils

It does not have to be forever. It does not have to be right or perfect or even the”one” focus. It is just for now. This choice gives me the freedom to work and let go of all the other things that I want to do. It directs my attention to the present project.

My take away:

When someone gives you advice try being open to re-shaping that “advice” in a way the empowers and supports your vision for your art/life.

Walking shadow for making art

Shadow shapes for printmaking stencils.

Staying on Task Read More »

Working in my sketchbook

monotype print / /

I have made several small sketchbooks, that I can easily carry with me. They are only 16 pages long, so they are very easy to complete.

sketchbooks by linda germain

I love the ability to finish the book quite quickly. It gives me a sense of accomplishment and that makes me want to start the next book.

If I really don’t like a drawing, then I just glue a fresh piece of paper over the parts that I don’t like. So I don’t worry about ugly drawings or mistakes.

tea pot painting by linda germain

I am thinking that maybe I will bind some of the small books into a larger book. For now I am just having some fun drawing the every day like:

  • breakfast
  • tea pots
  • pens and drawing tools
  • farmers market
  • skylines and
  • scenes from my window

I did buy a new watercolor set and it is taking some getting used to. The paint is much richer than my grade school set that I had been using.

watercolor experiments by linda germain

Happy creating!

 

 

Working in my sketchbook Read More »

Gelatin Printmaking Class at the Museum of Printing

monotype print / /

I am pleased to invite you to join us at the Museum of Printing, Haverhill, MA.

Museum of Printing Haverhill MA

This is the first class that I have offered local and in person in quite a few years. It will be a great day of monoprinting on paper with the homemade gelatin plate. Most of the supplies will be provide, so this is a great way to try out the process.

collage of gelatin prints by linda germain

We will use:

  • water soluble ink
  • paper
  • gelatin and glycerin plate
  • stencils
  • stamping tools

Gelatin printmaking is a great way to get into printmaking without a press. Watch some videos on my YouTube channel.

 

Gelatin Printmaking Class at the Museum of Printing Read More »

Students loving screen printing

screen printing / /

Here is a quick look at some student screen prints, created in the last session of Pulling Screen Prints, the online printmaking class.

Class starts September 11th. Check out the details and join us today. And soon you will be screen printing in the comfort of your own home studio.
drawing fluid method of screen printing fabric
Drawing fluid method on a simple hoop screen to print a scarf.
simple hoop screen for printing
Hoop screen, squeegee and paper stencil ready to go.
thermofax prints on fabric
Use the 8 piece Thermofax kit to print on fabric or paper.

Students loving screen printing Read More »

Learning a lot in Pulling Screen Prints

screen printing / /

I wanted to share some of the great experiences that students have had in the online printmaking class, Pulling Screen Prints. An let you know there is still time to join this year’s session.

 

What a wonderful class, opening up the whole world of home screen printing and so many possibilities.

Excellent presentation of materials and so easy to follow ! Thanks.

Lisa Hermanson – US – Pulling Screen Prints

 

Chris Cooper from Australia says:

This was my first online class and learned a lot, would recommend to friends.

1. Specifically, appreciate the  brilliant and very workable registration system that I can easily set up on my work table and use with success and flexibility

2.  Organization to print easily, when I want to , so that I don’t waste time or procrastinate because I have to spend time thinking about “how” to get started

3. Being able to make many little screens with the hoops is fantastic because I don’t feel so precious and daunted about the materials. I’m more open to experimenting with images. If it doesn’t work it’s easy to try again. This knowledge is very liberating.

The videos were terrific. Clear short succinct and doable.

I just loved being able to work and experiment at home.

a wonderful experience.

screen printing cards by linda germain

 

Pulling Screen Prints is a 4 week screen printing class, where we explore several ways to screen print at home without needing a special studio or many fancy tools.

screen printed scarves by linda germain

We will learn how to:

  • stretch screens and use hoops for quick and easy printing
  • use paper stencils to make images
  • use the drawing fluid and screen filler methods
  • try out some experimental resist techniques and
  • use the 8 piece thermofax kit that is included with the class

simple hoop screen for printing

Click over to the workshop page, read the details and sign up today. Class starts September 11th.

SaveSave

Learning a lot in Pulling Screen Prints Read More »