combined techniques

Things I tell myself

combined techniques, mark making / /

Art making is often a solitary process. But there is still a lot of conversation during the process.

Mixed media book page

My self talk is always in the background:

  • What I am doing this for?
  • What if I fail?
  • What if I ruin it?
  • How do I know if it is right?
  • Is it good enough?

unique artist book

I try to get beyond those judgments and fears by thinking more about the process than the product. So I say things like:

  • I can trust in the process
  • I don’t need to know
  • The magic happens when I can let go of control
  • It is a one of a kind process
  • Keep what I like
  • Notice what I enjoy
  • Let go of the struggle
  • Less is more
  • Leave some empty space
  • Admire the print

Make marks artist book

I encourage my students to adopt some of these thoughts. In the class, Make Marks and Books we break the steps down into seemingly unrelated elements.

  • We work in a loose book form to give the process a final product.
  • We slowly build up layers of marks to create an intuitive book
  • It is about learning to make space and build connections
  • It is about layering simple marks to create a rich visual story

If you would like to embrace this mark making process, then join us in Make Marks and Books. Read all the details on the workshop page. Class starts soon.

hand crafted artist book

 

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Just play for 20 minutes

book arts, combined techniques / /

You could start your day with 20 minutes of art play and see what a difference it makes.

meditative marks by linda germain

Of course it would:

  • need to be fun
  • need to be easy
  • could get messy

Somethings you could do to support your new art play practice:

  • Use just a few supplies
  • Set them up the day before
  • Use a 20 minute timer (time flies when you are having fun)

It has been said, “To stimulate creativity, one must develop the childlike inclination for play and the childlike desire for recognition.” (Albert Einstein)

If you would to join me in a bit of supported play, then check out the online workshops currently being offered.

Just play for 20 minutes Read More »

Artist book as a canvas for collecting

artist book, combined techniques, drawings / /

I recently made an artist’s book with simple brown bag pages.

brown bags for book making

Brown bags are strong and a great substrate for journals and books.

mixed media artist book

I added some white pages and some printed pages and a gelatin printed cover.

Then I randomly white washed a few pages, printed on a few and just started adding marks.

gelatin printed book page by linda germain

I am having fun adding marks here and there and letting the book evolve in a non-linear fashion.

mixed media gelatin printed book

I have been carrying it around with me, so I can add to it where ever I am.

gelatin print in handmade book

I think it might end up being a memory or record of these few months. I always enjoy looking at these kinds of journals years later.

Give it a try.

Make a book from brown bags or other non-precious papers and then:

  • white wash some pages
  • tape in random words
  • Scribble or doodle
  • screen print or stamp in some marks
  • add some gelatin prints.

Let it evolve over the next few weeks. If you get some ugly pages, then collage over them. Enjoy!

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Writing to assist your ART making

combined techniques / /
  • Do you use text in your art work?
  • Do you write “morning pages”?
  • Do you scribble to it is illegible?
  • Or can you create beautiful fonts by hand?

printing over handwriting

I am a scribbler. I do a form of morning writing. And I love to use text as a textural element to draw the viewer into my work.

Morning pages my way

I have taken classes that encouraged writing to inform, understand or jumpstart a process/series.

artist book with text

Writing about your process or inspiration can help you to talk to others about your art. When they understand your art, then they will appreciate it more.

text on a journal cover

People are drawn to text. They want to read it.

black out poem

I noticed that I read the description cards at the museum. Sometimes I spend more time reading the card than looking at the art. Then the text is getting in the way of my direct experience. So I try to look at the art first and them maybe read a bit of the info card.

notes in a sketch book

I challenge you to try using text/writing to:

  • draw the viewer in
  • create a pattern or shape
  • build texture and not words
  • instill some mystery
  • capture a memory
  • hide or cover something
  • explain a juxtaposition

over writing to create texture

If you would like to explore several ways of adding text to your work, then consider joining the Mixed media printmaker’s online retreat.

Class starts July 7th and you will have at least 6 more months access to the classroom. Read the details on the workshop page.

text and coffee stains as basis for printmaking

Check  out my gallery of work with text as element of design.

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Are you thinking about making holiday gifts?

combined techniques / /

Time to start making your holiday gifts!

  • Do you love to play with printmaking?
  • Do you have a pile of prints in your studio?
  • Do you like to make handmade gifts?

printed gifts with linda germain

Printed Gifts is an online art class to help you turn some prints and printed materials into holiday gifts. This class is for folks who already have a pile of gelatin prints and who may need design and compositional help.

It is a short actionable class designed to help you transform prints into small gifts that you can enjoy, give away or even sell.

With the holiday season just around the corner, this is the perfect time to join us in this online printmaking class.

Check out the details and register today, so you have plenty of time to turn some prints into gifts!

Are you thinking about making holiday gifts? Read More »