mark making

Value matters – Printmaking

Sometimes, I look at a print that I am working on and feel that something is missing. I need something to make it pop or something to pull it all together.

gelatin print with hand stamped marks

Often I can do that by adding a very dark mark or a very light mark.

mountains scape by linda germain

Value, the range of light to dark is often over looked. Color is easier to see so it often gets more attention.

Some painters do grey scale “drafts” before they paint with color.

range of value

One way to check for range of value is to take a black and white photo of your print. Do you see some very light areas as well as some very dark marks?

abstract landscape gelatin prints

Another way I check for range of value is to squint at the print. If it blurs into one soft medium mass, then I need to look for ways to add dark darks or light lights.

If you want to build your skills for creating prints with a strong range of value, then join us in the upcoming online class, check out the current printmaking classes.

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Zoom call doodles – good habit

It might not be what your boss suggests, but doodling during meetings and phone calls might be good for your for your visual art practice.

phone doodles

I recently did the doodle above during an hour long call.

I was suprised by all the different patterns I was able to create with simple lines dots and circles.

pen doodles

I think this mediative practice:

  • is easy to do with minimal supplies
  • suspends judgement – quiets your critical voice
  • can create some pleasing results to feed your art practice

For those reasons, I have added a daily meditative mark making prompt to the Mixed Media Retreat, the online class. Details on the workshop page.

playful drawing

I think meditative marks can:

  • be a source for stamp and tool making
  • be a way to learn to draw more shapes
  • be just plain fun and relaxing

Hope to see you in class.

sketchbooks in process

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