mixed media printmaking

Get closer

inspiration, mixed media printmaking / /

On my daily walks, I often take a few steps off the path to get closer to a tree, some moss, or a branch.

walk by the lake

I think, if I pause and really notice nature it will give me ideas for my art making.

look up a tree

I often have my phone available to take pictures. I want to remember the colors, texture and mood that I am feeling.  Sometimes I can capture the moment, but often the photo is lacking.

So I decided to savor the time in the woods and not to worry about bringing it back to the studio. The daily walk can inform my mark making rather than be a photographic reference.

beautiful decaying tree

Getting super close to textures and patterns turns the everyday into abstraction. This can spark creative ideas. These ideas don’t have to be literal or linear.

That is where I got the idea to create the mixed media class, Torn Trees.  After being surrounded be trees on my walks, decided to play with printing some. My first inspiration was the tall pine trees with nubby branches that stand on the hill by the lake.

pine trees by the lake

These abstract tree prints are about using shape, line and texture to create a feel of the forest.  I suggest that you get closer to nature in your day and see what it does for your creativity.

abstract trees - gelatin plate print

If you would like to play with printing, collaging and drawing to make abstract forests, then check out the details on the Torn Trees Workshop page.

Get closer Read More »

Sorting Art Stuff

mixed media printmaking / /

Does your art space feel like a safe haven of creativity?

studio inspiration

Do you love the tools and art work that fills the space? Or are there supplies that feel burdensome, but you are keeping them “just in case”?

mark making tools

I have mixed emotions about the state of my studio. There are corners and tables that feel good and then there are boxes, bins and materials that I want to let go of. But for some reason I keep putting if off.

I want the process to be one of self compassion and self care. I would like to find “homes” for some tools and supplies, but maybe it is just junk.

angel cards

The whole studio seems like a big task, so I thought I could tackle one box or bench or shelf. But that has not happened yet. Spring is a good time to sort and make way for new life.

In addition, to studio shape up, I have been working on a new class, Torn Trees – a mixed media printmaking workshop. Check out the details.

torn trees a mixed media workshop

Sorting Art Stuff Read More »

Tear, sew, burn and bind

book arts, collage, combined techniques, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

Do you have a pile of paper or prints that you are willing to transform with:

  • tearing into collage shapes
  • sew with or without thread
  • burn or smoke stain and
  • bind or fold into books?

collage on children's board book

If so, then you might enjoy the Mixed Media Retreat, and online class starting soon.

Tear, burn and stitch mixed media art

The class is designed to introduce ideas and techniques into your practice that will transform your papers and prints into books and mixed media prints.

collage with gelatin prints

Each lesson includes:

  1. A simple mark making prompt
  2. A textural layering technique
  3. A book form for reshaping prints and papers
  4. An artist talk to stimulate the mind.

You can get more details and register on the workshop page.

Tear, sew, burn and bind Read More »

a couple of glue tips

mixed media printmaking, techniques, tools / /

I have been using glue in my sketchbook and with some gelatin prints and I wanted to share a couple of glue handling tips.

glue stopper

Keep the nozzle clear

I found that if I stick something like a matchstick or 1/2 of a cotton swab into the top of the glue bottle it keeps the nozzle clear. I do have to replace the cotton swab every so often. Generally a bit of glue builds up at the top to “seal” the opening.

use small amounts of glue

Squeeze out small amount of glue

I have a bunch of small ceramic dishes that have become glue plates. I generally need just a little bit of glue. So I try to put just a little bit on to the glue dish. When the glue dries I can easily peel it off the ceramic dish.

glue brushes in water

Have dedicated glue brush

I use 2 small brushes just for glue. I leave these inexpensive brushes sitting in a small container of water. That way I don’t have to clean them or worry about them hardening.

foam roller for gluing projects

Use foam roller

If I am gluing large areas, like to cover a book, I use a foam roller and limited passes. I use the pop out foam roller that speedball sells as a kit. Just be sure to wash the roller thoroughly. And try to coat your project in one or two passes. The paper gets weak and sticky the more you roll over it.

I used the foam roller to glue these 5″ x 7″ gelatin prints together. Have you explored gelatin printmaking? Make your own long lasting gel plate – get the recipe here.

make gelatin prints into books Linda Germain

I hope you find these gluing ideas helpful.

a couple of glue tips Read More »

Build on skills you enjoy

mixed media printmaking / /

Start with art making skills that you already have and enjoy. Then test out and add on new skills.

Mark making

That is one way that I have been growing my drawing and printmaking skills. I think it is important to enjoy the process and build in success as often as possible.

How do I build in success?

    • Know that not every project will be beautiful. This reduces pressure and expectation
    • Know that mistakes and practice pieces inform future work
    • Notice what I admire about each piece. Bring what I like into the next print.

Printmaking is a great process for building new skills. When printing without a press the feed back from your mark making is immediate. You can develop your design and composition skills in fun and fast ways.

gelatin printed book

In the Make Marks and Books class, we will print many layers in a loose book form with the goal of exploring how to create pleasing combination of a variety of printed marks.

  1. Start with an expressive scribble
  2. Layer textured gelatin print
  3. Make some tools
  4. Add stamped, stenciled and rubbing kinds of marks
  5. Continue to a complete book of your own unique style of mark making

If this sounds interesting to you, then read all the details on the workshop page and join us.

make books with linda germain

Build on skills you enjoy Read More »