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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Monotype gel prints – great artist books

artist book / /
Use gelatin monotypes to make artists books
Have summer fun and make some artist books

Do you have a summer fun list?  Are you getting some fun into your days?  If YES, then great and if not, then let’s start. Maybe you have a stack of monotype gel prints that could be put to good use.

Bookmaking is a great way to use up practice prints and recycled papers, to make art that can be handled, transformed and enjoyed.  Remember this is suppose to be fun.  Everyone has a different definition of fun, so pick yours and make a book.

  • If you love fast and easy, then collect some papers and a cardboard backing and bind with 2 metal ring binders.
  • If you love nature and twigs then, try a stab binding and a bit of twine.
  • If you love to sew then, choose a simple pamphlet stitch and some sturdy paper.
  • Then once you have your mini masterpiece, share it, use it, handle it, display it and enjoy it.

Books as art, are quite personal and have a unique ability to connect the artist, viewer and materials.

Do you have a message that could be communicated through an art book?  Share your thoughts below.

Enjoy,
Linda Germain

 

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Why use a Newsprint Pick up in Gelatin Printing?

gelatin print tips / /

What the heck is a Newsprint Pick up?

I am glad you asked. I use the term newsprint pick up a lot, when I talk about  printmaking on the glycerin and gelatin plate.

Use a newsprint pick up for glycerin plate monotype prints by linda germain
Use a newsprint pick up for glycerin plate monotype prints

I simply place newsprint over the gelatin to pick up unwanted plate ink.  I don’t rub with the newsprint.  I just lay it down flat and burnish with my hand.  I do this over and over again with clean newsprint to pick up unwanted ink. You could use copy paper or other inexpensive paper to do the job.

The purpose of the newsprint pick up is to increase the contrast of your marks.  It is a process, that you can use or choose not to use when making monotype prints.  It gives you options.  I gives you some control over an unpredictable process.

Steps to using a newsprint pick up:

  1. Pull your shaped impression.  This skill affects the detailed impression
  2. Leave the stencils in place
  3. Try not to move them
  4. Place the newsprint on top of the stencils
  5. Burnish with your hand
  6. Again try not to move the stencils
  7. Repeat this as many times as necessary to remove the unwanted plate ink.

You did it!

  • Then remove the stencils
  • Pull your detailed impression

You should see a difference like the prints below.  The monotype print on the right is a detailed impression without a newsprint pick up and the one on the left is with the newsprint pick-up.

2 monotype prints - left has newsprint pick up and increased contrast - Linda Germain
2 monotype prints – left has newsprint pick up and increased contrast – Linda Germain

Check the current workshop list for a class that would interest you.

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31 Monotype prints – a daily printmaking practice

Gelatin plate print / /

Monotype print by Linda Germain on the glycerin plate

I did it!  I made and shared a print a day for the Month of May.  I benefited from this daily printmaking practice.  Some of my take aways:

  • Done is better than perfect
  • Action has magic, power and grace
  • Celebrate the little successes
  • It is ok to explore limited themes, colors or marks
  • Daily doing builds “muscles”

If you would benefit from the daily practice then check out the current workshops that are being offered.

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Making the background of my monotype prints first

monotype print / /
Work parts of the plate a different times. - Monotype print by Linda Germain
Work parts of the plate a different times. – Monotype print by Linda Germain

Today, I did begin printing with a bit of of plan.  I started with my light colors and made some textured backgrounds that still had some white in them.  I worked up 5 or 6 sheets of paper and then went to my focus figure.  I used the dark blue but
still only worked part of the plate.

I did not leave marks on the plate.  If there was a very light impression left then I picked it up with a clean sheet of paper.  Often this light layers, or partial pick ups create an interesting print.

Pull lots of prints to get one you like - linda germain
Pull lots of prints to get one you like – linda germain

 

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