Check out new Trace Monoprint gallery

trace monoprint / /

A trace monoprint is a simple way of printing without a press. Paul Klee did a lot of trace monoprinting. I found a trace monotype print by Paul Gauguin as well.

Trace monoprint on newsprint
Trace monoprint on newsprint

I did this little trace monotype print based on a sketch of a sculpture at the MFA. It is a very quick and expressive process. You might even ask why bother? Why not just make a drawing?

Well I think the beauty of trace monoprint process it is about:

  • line quality
  • giving up control
  • expressive rendering of the image

Check out my gallery of trace monoprints here.

 

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Easy line drawing and printing

drawings / /

I love loose line drawings. I think they can be very expressive. The cool thing is these quick line drawings can be the beginning of a printed mark.

foam plate relief print of figure

Many years ago, when I started exploring printmaking I did this contour line drawing of a man with glasses. I am sure that it did not take very long, but there was something about it that I liked.

Soft Relief plate for printmaking

Recently, I made another printing plate from the same drawing. I used sticky back craft foam that I mounted on to another piece of recycled styrofoam.

I used a ball point pen to make the drawing and recess the line. Then I quickly painted the surface with watercolors and let it dry.

soft printing plate and relief print

I let the paint dry completely on the foam plate. I soaked some heavy weight printing paper and finally I used my new Xpress Xcut craft machine to make the print.

relief print of man

Of course you could be more careful and exact when applying colors and paint, but I do like the bold and loose nature of this print.

If you want to be inspired to embrace your drawing style check out these posts:

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Ink tips, Brayer help and Mark making tools for printmaking

mark making tools / /

Ink the brayer

ink and brayers

It seems simple to ink the brayer, but it may take some practice.

The thing is, that every ink, brayer and plate may be a little different and require a little bit of finesse to get a nice thin coat of ink on the brayer and then on the plate.

Check out this video and post if you want some tips on how to ink your brayer.

Kirigami stencils

Kirigami Everybody book for stencil making

That is simply stencils cut from folded paper. I like to cut stencils from paper and then make them strong by coating them with mat medium.

Read this blog post to get some tips on cutting and coating masking stencils for gelatin plate monotype printing.

Stamping tools

Glass as a stamping tool
glass as a stamping tool

Once you start gelatin printing you will see the world with new eyes. All of a sudden everything with pattern and texture because a mark making tool. In the image above I used a glass plate to make the designs in the turquoise ink.

If you would like to see more of my top stamping tools for gelatin printing then check out these 2 posts:

Of course if you need the recipe and instructions on  how to make the glycerin and gelatin plate for making monotypes then sign up below and you will get the FREE tutorial.

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You want to explore gelatin printmaking.

You have landed in the right place.

Join the mailing list, and you will get the glycerin and gelatin plate recipe, that you can use to make your own monotype printing plate.

  • You get a how to video
  • Written reminders
  • Trouble shooting tips

I am happy to share these instructions on how to make the gel printing plate. I want you to try this monotype printmaking technique and enjoy years of spontaneous printmaking.

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

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Thermofax machine simplifies screen printing

monotype print / /

Thermofax machines were used to make copies in the 1990’s I think. Now they are treasures to mixed media artists, printmakers and tattoo artists.

thermofax machine for creating screens for printmaking

These big bulky machines can makes screens for printing in a matter of seconds. All you do is place a carbon based copy against the emulation coated screen and run it through the machine. Watch the video.

You can buy these machines and the emulsion coated screens from Welsh Products. I got my machine from them a few years ago.

Or I do offer a starter kit of 8 screens. It is a nice way to get started, and to see if you actually like and would use the process in your art making.

Gelatin print and thermofax print cropped into a book mark

For example, I added the spirograph flower design to this gelatin monotype with a thermofax screen from the starter kit.

Thermofax screen printed fabric sewn into a handbag

I used 4 of the screens in the kit to print this overall random pattern on this fabric, then sewed it into a bag.

dragonfly thermofax screen print by linda germain

I used the dragonfly screen to make a series of cards. So I am sure that you could create some beautiful images with the 8 designs that come with the thermofax starter kit.

This Kit is no longer available.

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Finding Time to Make ART

inspiration / /

I love the timer on my iPad Mini. I can trick myself into action by setting the the 20 minute timer.

use ipad as a stopwatch to get stuff done

I say to myself,

“Ok let’s see what I can do in 20 minutes. Then I can quit or go have some fun.”

Usually about one hour later, I have done three 20 minute sessions and have my task done. I use this timer trick for anything that I want to do but for some reason I am resisting doing it.

  • testing new printing tools
  • writing blog posts
  • cleaning my studio
  • even playful printing

Monoprinting fabric - online workshop with Linda Germain

The thing I love about my iPad timer is that it has fun tunes to choose as “alarms.” So after 20 minutes, I heard this pleasant rewarding sound, and I feel good about what I have just accomplished. Usually it is really easy to continue on for another 20 minutes.

Do you have ways to motivate yourself into action? Try the 20 minute timer trick and see if it helps.

Happy printing!

 

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