6 Gelatin Printing Tips

2010, gelatin print tips / /
multi layer gel print by linda germain
tiny dancer gelatin monotype print by linda germain
If you are a gelatin printer like me then you end up with a stack  of papers or prints that have potential but are not really a finished product.  One way to “finish” a gelatin plate print is to print a final layer of black over the chaotic composition.  Here’s my 6 gelatin printing tips:
  1. The final composition in black is pleasing.  Lay down the stencils so they create a design that you like.
  2. The black is very black
  3. The underlying inks are dry
  4. The underlying “chaos” does not have big white shapes
  5. The underlying “chaos’ is mostly textural
You can watch my Paper Doll Dresses video with this new information and you will see several prints made with this technique.
Gelatin prints are really very experimental so I advise to have fun first, try things with an open mind and you will probably invent a technique of your own.  If you do, please share it.  I always love to see what other people come up with.  Enjoy!

 

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Riding the Wave of Thanks

2010, Uncategorized / /
on the wave – rye on the rocks, nh 2011
I was thinking about all the things I am grateful for and the list is long.  And thinking how we are all on this wave of life – just in different spots.  I am learning to ride it – so I don’t get crushed on the rocks below.  I can learn from those around me, a coach and the waves.  Sit on the edge, wait for the right wave, decide to go, paddle hard, stand up, enjoy the ride and do it all over again.  Happy Day!

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Making Prints and Drinking Tea

2010, Uncategorized / /
©2011 linda germain
What’s hot in the Studio?
Well the temperature has dropped in the studio.  It was 57 degrees when I got here, but now it is up to 65 degrees.  So winter tea is on tap.  I am taking  a business of art program  – Artists Professional Tool Box (APT).  It is a 9 month program sponsored by the Greater Boston Arts and Business Council.  We have had speakers on goal setting, negotiations, artist’s statement and marketing.  It is a lot to digest.  I am trying to define my focus.  Last night I wrote 60 goals off the top of my head.  Hmm -I wonder why I feel overwhelmed.  One tool I want to add is a newsletter.  I am trying out ChimpMail for that service.  I have added subscription widget to this blog.  If you are interested in getting the newsletter sign up.  And I would love to have feedback about the process of signing up.  Was it annoying or pleasant?  Enjoy!

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Monotype prints on the Wall

2010, Uncategorized / /
Mixed media prints on my studio wall
©2011 linda germain
Lots of holiday shows and sales to participate in.  I am happy to put my work out there and hope it goes to a new home.  Last night I helped install the holiday exhibit at Lynn Arts.  Today I dropped off work for someone else to hang for the Haverhill Holiday Sale.
I am even preparing some small pieces to put in the holiday shop at the farm.   I am starting to like finishing the prints.  Usually I resist it.  Enjoy!

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Rust Print with drawing fluid screen print

2010, drawing fluid screen print, rust prints / /
©2011 linda germain
Thinking
7″ x 7″
Rusted paper with Screen Print
One of my new favorite printing methods is the drawing fluid method of screen printing.  I like it for loose  style line drawings.  I have made several screens out of old shear curtains and I just leave the image on the screen for future printing.  There are some good instructions at Dharma Trading.   Dick Blick has some good info too.  To make the rusted paper I spritz the paper, put it in a flat pan, layer it with my rusty things, and put it under pressure for as long as it takes.  Rusting it very experimental and requires patience to let things rust.  Sometimes I add salt or vinegar to encourage rusting.  Enjoy!

Post by Linda Germain

 

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