TV can inspire composition and design choices for printmaking

monotype print / Linda Germain / July 13, 2014

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

2 gelatin prints by linda germain showing compositional choices — Fill the Frame and Notice negative spaces.

I learn a lot about:

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.

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What our kids and dogs already know

inspiration / Linda Germain / July 6, 2014

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 / Linda Germain / June 20, 2014

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 / Linda Germain / June 13, 2014

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:

Pull your shaped impression. This skill affects the detailed impression
Leave the stencils in place
Try not to move them
Place the newsprint on top of the stencils
Burnish with your hand
Again try not to move the stencils
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.