Why playing will make better gelatin monotype prints?

gelatin plate tips / /
© linda germain 2013 masking stencils for gelatin printing

Post by Linda Germain

Gelatin printing is experimental and unpredicatble by nature of the gelatin plate.  Playing allows for happy surprises to occur.  I try to embrace these ideas –

    • if you think it then try it
    • go with the flow
    • be present to the materials
    • let go of expectations
    • trust in the process
    • take advantage of the sponginess of the plate
    • be willing to fail
    • if you are pleased with a few fabulous print in a day then you are successful
    • try not to force outcomes
    • give yourself the gift of play
© linda germain 2013 stamping tools – gelatin printmaking
  • often the prints that happen during clean up are the best
  • fearless experimentation can lead to extraordinary results
What do you need to be able to play while printmaking?
For me it’s:
  • inexpensive paper
  • time
  • space
  • gentle reminders that play has the potential and possibilities
  • ink that is easy to work with and easy to clean up.
Please share your experiences about play and gelatin printmaking in the comments or on the flickr

 

Why playing will make better gelatin monotype prints? Read More »

JOIN Gelatin Print Workshop, Austin TX – Linda Germain

Uncategorized / /

© linda germain – It is all about the process – gelatin printmaking
Just the Facts –
Gelatin Printmaking Monothon
April 5, 6, 7, 2013
1109 B Shady Lane – Studio 8
Austin, TX 78721
Save $ if you register before March 1st
Give yourself the gift of 3 days of gelatin printmaking.  This workshop is open to all levels of skill and interest.  You will have unlimited time to experiment and expand your gelatin printing skills.
Friday – We will begin with making the plate, looking at what is possible and creating your own masking stencils and tools.

Saturday – The fun real begins.  We will have all day and into the night if desired to play with the possibilities of gelatin monotype printmaking. The day will include, warm ups, demonstrations, free time, 100 or more tricks and tips, experimentation with inks and papers, play with tools and masking stencils.  There will be time to share and learn from each other.  We will be guided by the idea that:

fearless experimentation can lead to extraordinary results 
 

Sunday – Pull together, crop, complete, collage or otherwise finish several pieces of work.  Each artist will have developed her/ his own language with the materials and will have found  a certain set of tools, skills and marks that resonate.  Some may continue to explore the possibilities, some may develop a series of unified prints, some may work up a collage, some may shape prints into a book.

Sunday evening – celebrate with a gelatin print monotype exhibit, sale, and auction to benefit the artists and Women Printmakers of Austin.

Highlights include:
  • Enjoy the benefits of a group lessons in specific gelatin printmaking ticks and techniques followed by specific one on one assistance if desired.
  • Absorb all benefits and wisdom of Ms. Germain’s 5 years of gelatin printmaking experimentation, and exploration in just 3 days.
  • Gain confidence in your printmaking skills that allows you to develop your own unique expression with the material.
  • Take part in demonstrations, constructive critiques, and conclude the weekend with an art show/auction that celebrates your success.
when you register by March 1st.
Go to the

Post by Linda Germain

JOIN Gelatin Print Workshop, Austin TX – Linda Germain Read More »

Make Postcards to share from Gelatin Monotype Prints

Uncategorized / /

© linda germain 2013  4″ x 6″ gelatin monotype print with typing

I have been reading about a few postcard challenges and exchanges.  So I am sending this one off to Rupert, VT  to help Jane Davies increase traffic to her little post office.  I may even get a post card in return, if I am one of the first 200.

When I make cards I usually crop down larger prints.  That way I don’t have to worry about clean edges or final composition.  Check out the cards that she has already received.

Make Postcards to share from Gelatin Monotype Prints Read More »

3 Micro steps I could take with Gelatin Prints

Gelatin plate print / /
© linda germain 2013  my new toy up close – Royal Typewriter

Can I break my goals down into steps that would take 5 minutes or less?  This idea came across my path from 2 different sources in the last fews days, so I am taking notice.  So three things that I can do with my gelatin prints in 5 minutes or less –

  1. Crop a gelatin print into a standard size for finishing and packaging for sale
  2. Take one print from my to be finished pile and do stream of consciousness writing
  3. Cut out a new masking stencil and coat it with mat medium on another day.
What could you do if you only had five minutes for you art?  Share is here if you would like

Post by Linda Germain

3 Micro steps I could take with Gelatin Prints Read More »

What ink Best for Gelatin Printmaking?

gelatin print tips / /
Linda Germain compares inks for monotype printmaking
best inks for gelatin printing – test left to right, Akua Kolor, Speedball, and Daniel Smith water soluble block printing inks.

Some folks have asked me, “What is the best ink for gelatin printmaking?” There is no one correct answer to that question.  It really depends on:

  • your goals and the desired result
  • the paper like to use
  • the weather – hot, cold, humid?
  • how much time you have to let layers dry
  • if you have allergies
  • how much money you want to spend

Best Inks for Gelatin Printing – depends

I did a little experiment with the three inks that I have.  I used the same plate and stencils and compared the results.  It was cool in the studio about 65 degrees.  I did several prints on thin absorbent paper. Above are 3 prints with several layers of “detailed” impressions.
For this application I like the effect Daniel Smith ink on the right, but I am sensitive to the smell of the inks and they take a very long time to dry.
So my next choice it the Akua Kolor on the left, they still have a rich color, dry faster, but they are thin and sometimes don’t hold a stamped impression and they leave lots of ink on the plate.  I have just ordered some Akua Intaglio inks to try out.
For the application above the speedball inks are my least favorite, the one in the middle.  However, I do use these inks all the time.  They are inexpensive and readily available.  They work well for pre-inking stencils. They are super easy to clean up.
Some other options that I have not shown here are golden open acrylic, other acrylic paint, and createx monotype inks.
So to conclude, there is no single answer.  Plenty of experimentation and play will give you the best answer for you.  Happy Printing

 Join a printmaking course

Would you like to explore gelatin printing with the homemade gelatin and glycerin plate check the workshop schedule and sign up.

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

“Now, I have the confidence to try different printing techniques and to even cut up the gelatin plate to get interesting shapes.” says Lynne P.

Make a Glycerin & Gelatin Printing Plate Now!
Get the FREE recipe to make a gel printing plate

Additionally, you will receive a weekly email about printmaking, ideas, tips and courses.

Join us today and start having fun!

 

What ink Best for Gelatin Printmaking? Read More »