inspiration

5 Topics Tackled in Make Monotypes – Ecourse

2010, inspiration / /

Take a look at your current printmaking process, and decide if you will benefit from any of the approaches below.

Gel Prints on paper by linda germain
Gelatin Prints on the shelf by linda germain

This will be the last session of Make Monotypes for this year.  So ask yourself if you would like to:

  1. Gain a creative boost by being part of a global network of printmakers
  2. Identify and create new mark making tools
  3. Embrace a daily practice and make time for your art
  4. Create prints with multiple layers and colors
  5. Finish and frame a few amazing monotype prints

Mark your calendar for August 10th and join the next session of Make Monotypes.

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3 ways to use Cast Shadows in Art making

inspiration / /

 

Shadows to inspire printmaking tools by linda germain
These shadows were created with strong sunlight – Linda Germain

The beauty of shadows is that they are simplified, powerful shapes.  All of the distracting details are gone. Three quick uses for shadow shapes.

  1. As you can see from the images above, a photo of a shadow can be simple art all on it’s own.
  2. The shadow could be traced and cut into a masking stencil for creating Monotype prints.
  3. Or you could use shadows as a source of inspiration for drawings and for compositional ideas.  Seeing shadows can pull you into the present moment and your surroundings.  That awareness is a great tool to have at your disposal.

If you would like to explore adding shadow shapes and masking stencils to monotype printmaking on the glycerin and gelatin plate, then join me in the an online class.

Masking stencils inspired by cast shadows - linda germain
Left masking stencil and right inspiration for future stencils

 

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What our kids and dogs already know

inspiration / /

 

Be inspired to play with different printing techniques with Linda Germain
Experiment with easy printmaking techniques – Play today

I wanted to share with you some inspiration, that I have just come across.  Play is key to creation, problem solving and an alternative to fear. 

Kids do it.  Animals do it. Successful people do it.  Is play part of your day?  I read that play is:

  • apparently purposeless and
  • creates a freedom from time and
  • diminished consciousness of self

Are you ready to play?  Consider one of these 5 printmaking techniques or something that is comfortable and easy for you. Really let go of expectations and constraints.  Maybe get some inspiration from kids or animals. Embrace the ideas above and see what happens.

If you would like some support around playing with printmaking, then join me for the fall session of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink on paper. Get on the special list today.

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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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