I strongly suggest that you use the speedball water soluble block printing ink, the homemade glycerin and gelatin printing plate and sulphite drawing paper.

These supplies allow from the easiest learning. They do take some practice and getting used to if you have not used them before. These 3 supplies create a good transfer of ink from brayer, to plate to stencils and to paper.

I hope that you will use these supplies to gain printmaking skills that will last a lifetime.

Once you have developed a deep understanding of the factors that are affecting your impressions, then it is a good time to experiment with other inks, paints, paper, substrates, and plate.

Check out current workshops.

Children’s drawings are so fresh and authentic.  Before the kids get to that censoring stage and when they still draw with confidence.  As a parent you could make a thermofax screen from these line drawings and then print invitations, note cards or t-shirts.

I made this screen from my nephew’s sketch that he did a few years ago.

• Save some of your children’s drawings
• Photocopy them to the correct size with a toner based copy machine
• Get a Thermofax screen made
• Set up your workspace
• Prepare your papers or materials for printing
• And pull your prints

I was thinking that this drawing would make a cool invitation.

Are you inspired by children’s drawings?

Before every session, of Make Monotypes, I make a collage of my ideal student. I like to get in touch with you.  I like to remind myself of your:

• adventurous spirit
• willingness to play
• interest in color and layering
• art as passion or hobby
• desire to be part of a group
• printmaker, fiber artist, mixed media, surface designer and more

If you see yourself in this collage, then check out the details of Make Monotypes, the online printmaking course, with ink on paper and the homemade gelatin and glycerin printing plate.

Are you a creative person who would:

• Thrive in your art making with some group support
• Like to explore making monotype prints on the homemade gel plate
• Like to learn new techniques for gelatin printmaking
• Like a creative boost

If that sounds like you then mark your calendar for August 10th 8 AM EST, and join us for the next session of Make Monotypes.  This  online printmaking course that explores printing with ink on paper and the homemade glycerin and gelatin printing plate.  I look forward to working with you and exploring printmaking without a press with you.  Join the mailing list to get notice of new info and opportunities.

Even if you don’t watch that much TV, you can take advantage of all the money and resources that the BIG guys spend to create powerful programing and messages. Ok maybe I am trying to justify all the time I spend in front of the television. Forgive me.

Make prints more compelling – TV

I learn a lot about:

• Compositions and design
• Color and impact
• Effective messaging

If you are creating art with the intent to communicate with your viewers, then maybe you too can benefit from some of the design choices used by big companies with whole marketing and design teams.  (Of course, I am not saying copy them that would not be legal.)

Think of it as research right in your living room.  You could even turn off the sound. Grab a sketchbook and notice what catches your attention. Consider:

• Where is the focus placed in the frame?
• Where do they want to you look?
• Is anything repeated?
• What does the negative space look like?
• How is the the image cropped or framed?

If you found this fun or useful then, please share one discovery in the comments section of this post.  I am sure you will inspire others as well.

Take a printmaking class

Would you like to explore gelatin printing with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate in Make Monotypes, the online printmaking class. Check the workshop schedule and sign up.

This is what one student expressed about Make Monotypes, printmaking class:

“This is the first online class that I have stuck with. Linda makes it so easy, enjoyable and productive.” from Emily A.