Do you wait to the last minute?

2010 / /

Post by Linda Germain

©linda germain – mixed media drawing

I think I do.  Why?   What stops me from committing earlier?

As a teacher of gelatin printmaking and mixed media workshops  it is sometimes a challenge to wait to the last minute to know the number of folks in a class.  I love to plan the space and make the gelatin plates .

Here is a last minute class that might be interesting to you by a friend of mine Diane Gilleland,  Monetize Your Craft Blog.  It starts on Monday,  so this would be a last minute decision.  If that is your style.  I recently took an online class with Diane and learned so much more than I could have anticipated.  She knows her stuff!  She used video, chats, pdfs, and personal emails to help me make a plan and get going on my ebook about gelatin printmaking.

My book is not ready yet, but soon I will share bits and pieces.
Happy Printing!

 

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Two tips to learn to see Negative space

masking stencils / /

Post by Linda Germain

© 2013 linda germain      Stencils drying during workshop

These stencils caught my eye during the recent gelatin printmaking class.   I like to use figures in my prints and the way these ladies were draped over the back of this chair, just grabbed my attention.

I think they are simply photocopies  on regular paper or on card stock.  They look like they have a coat of mat medium on them and are drying in between coats.

The black and white one has great negative space.

One way I check for interesting negative space is I look at the stencil from the back and if it is still interesting then I think it has an interesting shape/negative space.

Another test that I do, is I squint at the image and try to imagine it as a solid impression, without the details.  Identifying expressive negative space and shapes takes a little practice.

Look for “holes” created by the parts of our stencil.  like the arms and legs are doing above.

Happy Printing!

 

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Back in the Studio – ready for Gelatin Printing

2010 / /

 

© 2013 linda germain – “it’s all a blur”

One week ago, I was just getting started with the 3 day Monothon of Gelatin Printmaking in Austin, TX and hosted by the Women Printmaker’s of Austin.

Just now, I have finally unpacked the suitcase of papers, tools and supplies.

During the monothon, twelve brave artists,

  • made gelatin plates,
  • did “yoga printmaking”
  • made over 500 prints
  • tried several different inks and papers
  • shared insights and discoveries about gelatin printmaking
  • cut strong stencils for masking
  • used framing mats for a finished look
  • celebrated the time and space just to play and experiment
  • learned to layer impressions
  • considered several book forms
  • learned to use the gelatin plate for it’s malleability whenever transferring a mark
Thank you to the wonderful workshop participants for a such dynamic experience.  I always say that the teacher can learn just as much from her students as they do from her.  I hope to see some of their work popping up on their own, websites, shops and blogs.

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8 hints for cutting stencils for gelatin printmaking

gelatin print tips, masking stencils / /

Post by Linda Germain

© 2013 linda germain cutting stencils from magazines for gelatin printing

I was flipping through some old magazines looking for some new masking stencils for gelatin printing.  I like people in motion or with interesting negative shapes.  They are harder to find than you think.

Here’s some things I learned about cutting stencils:
  • Use a new sharp razor blade to get smooth cuts
  • Move the paper instead of moving the blade
  • Cut the tiny details first – it is more stable this way
  • Try to keep as many small details as you can
  • look at the image from the backside to check for interesting shape
  • Your scraps may be interesting stencils too.
  • Don’t be afraid to cut past the outline several times when cutting a delicate curve
  • Be open to new images and shapes
Check the current workshop list for a class that would interest you.

 

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