mixed media printmaking

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.

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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

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Mark making tools

mark making, mark making tools, mixed media printmaking / /

Do you have favorite mark making tools?

I do. I love black gel pens that flow smooth and easy. Of course I love to use cut glass to make marks with the gelatin plate. Below you will find more of my favorites.

mark making tools

  1. Black gel pen for contour drawings and fine line doodles.
  2. Kids water based markers for “inking” small relief blocks and drawings.
  3. Soft kids crayons for rubbings and rough line drawings.
  4. Homemade relief stamps for pattern making.
  5. Small set of alphabet stamps for printing words.
  6. Cut glass for making impressions with ink and the gelatin plate.
  7. Small brayer for linear and blocky bold marks.
  8. Red acrylic ink and an eye dropper for bold colorful lines and blobs.
  9. Round and oval caps of all sizes for stamping.
  10. Plastic doily for delicate impressions.
  11. Corrugated cardboard for making designs with the gelatin plate.

Make marks book

Often a combination of marks with different qualities creates an interesting image.

The quality of marks can be:

  • thick or thin
  • bold or delicate
  • aggressive or timid
  • smooth or ragged
  • flat or dimensional
  • and so on

The characteristic of the mark convey a feeling or mood. It is fun to use a unique combination of marks and tools to tell your own story.

We explore several mark making approaches in the online printmaking classes. Check out what classes are currently being offered.

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Time to admire – gelatin printmaking

gelatin print tips, mixed media printmaking, monotype print / /

Gelatin Printmaking can be fast and furious. The process lends itself to pulling lots of prints and layers with minimal preparation.

abstract landscapes Linda Germain

It is easy to get lost in the process.

print cards with the gelatin plate

I often tell my students that it can be like a roller coaster of ups and downs. I may pull several pleasing impressions to be followed by several ugly prints.

gelatin prints by linda germain

To enjoy the roller coaster ride of gelatin printmaking:

  1. Know ahead of time that there will be prints you like and others you don’t
  2. Focus on the things you like, rather than the problems
  3. Take time to admire your successes. Pin it to the wall, stand back and enjoy.

Another tool I use to create success in my printmaking, is to embrace the 80/20 rule. If I get 2 outstanding prints out of 1o then I consider it a success. Those 8 other prints inform and create space for the magical pieces that I really love.

grass print by linda germain

If you want to create more pleasing gelatin prints, then join us in the online class, Monochromatic Mountains. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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3 reasons to take an online art class

inspiration, mark making, mixed media printmaking / /

I love taking art classes in person and online.

art workshop

When I need some inspiration for my art practice taking a class often helps me generate new ideas. Often the class is a new subject or technique. Or sometimes I take a class because I love the teacher and her philosophy stimulates my process.

workspace - linda germain

Recently, in person options have been limited, so online art classes have been my choice.

mountain scapes

Online workshops are great because:

  1. I have access to the lessons right from the comfort of my studio. No travel, traffic or parking challenges. I have all my tools readily available and I don’t have to pack up or lug supplies to the workshop location.
  2. More bang for my buck. Online classes are often much less expensive than an in person class. Also I enjoy the benefits of feedback and encouragement from a wider group of classmates. Influences of an international group of students in online classes is unique.
  3. I don’t have to take notes or worry about missing key skills. Most online workshops are downloadable or have lifetime access. So I can watch videos and do lessons over and over again. And each time I learn something new from the same material.

I hope I have encouraged you to check out online art classes to inspire and support your art practice.

If you are interested check out the current online art classes that I am offering.

monochromatic Mountains

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