Artists are enjoying Make Monotypes printmaking course

monotype print / /

I love my course Make Monotypes because I can help artists from all over the world to explore gelatin printmaking.

Gelatin Plate Monotype Prints on display by Linda Germain

But I am happy to share that my students are loving the class just as much as I am. For example:

One student’s experience in Make Monotypes – I wanted to take this class for quite a while, but as I had already experimented a fair bit with a gel plate, I wasn’t sure how much I’d learn.

My friend, a bookbinding instructor took the class a while back, and spoke very highly of it. She really enjoyed it and learned a lot. And I had seen some of her prints that she incorporated into her bookmaking projects.

I’m very glad I took the course – it was exactly what I wanted- it encouraged me to use my own images and experiment with found objects and stencils/masks I created myself.

So many other books, videos and blog posts focused on use of commercial stencils and other products.  I really appreciate that this course focuses on finding or making one’s own tools!

Gerry McG.

make books with your pile of gelatin prints

This gelatin printmaking course is the foundation of my approach to printmaking without a press. The gelatin plate is unique:

  • The malleable plate is able to hold delicate details.
  • These details can be transferred to paper with mere hand pressure
  • The process is immediate and does not require lots of planning.
  • Gelatin printing is low tech and not-toxic
  • It is the best of printing without a press

Read more details about the printmaking course and join us today. This is the only time that I will be offering the course this year.

 

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Local Printmaking Demonstrations

monotype print / /

I am happy to share with you that I will be giving a couple of local demonstrations of the gelatin printmaking process.

Hand cut masking stencil used with the gelatin plate for printmaking without a press by Linda Germain

I will be at

  • the Artist’s Playground
  • in the Tannery on 50 Water Street, Newburyport
  • on May 20th 1 Pm to 2 PM
  • demonstation gelatin printmaking with ink on paper
  • Reserve your spot call 978-462-5366

And in June I will demonstration Gelatin printing with ink on paper

And a little further out on the calendar I will be teaching a full day Gelatin Printmaking class at the Museum of Printing in Haverhill, MA – October 14th. Read the details about this live in person class.

Museum of Printing Haverhill

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Be inspired by patterns that surround you

monotype print / /

Here is a challenge for you.

Fabric samples to inspire tools for printmaking

  • Look around your house and notice the patterns in your wall paper, fabrics, books, pillows and things
  • Pick one pattern that speaks to you
  • Grab a pen and draw the pattern
  • Don’t do an exact copy, BE YOU. Embrace you line quality
  • Now you have a drawing that could be used to make prints

drawing made into a stencil for printing

You could make a masking stencil like I did and then make some gelatin prints. Or maybe the drawing will become a thermofax screen, or a template for a trace monoprint.

You get to decide.

Gelatin print with masking stencil

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One way to create successful gelatin prints

gelatin print tips / /

First, give yourself a break and embrace a definition of success that serves you. Being harsh and judgmental does not help.

gel print with stencil and ferns

One example of a definition of success that serves the players is the Baseball players batting average. Can you believe that these guys get paid big bucks and to be considered good they only need a .250 batting average? That means they only need a hit 25% of the time. Let’s embrace 25% = success.

Try this:

  • Make 10 prints with just a couple stencils and stamping tools
  • Use paper that you feel comfortable “wasting”
  • See if you get 2 or 3 out of ten that you really like

I am betting that this environment and expectation will create success for you.

silhouette fishing print by linda germain

Another Idea:

One approach that I have with those 8 less than successful prints is that

  • I come back to them on another day
  • I work into them with just a few marks or
  • I completely work over them

This really gives the prints new life and raises my “batting average” to .500. 🙂

stamping tools for gelatin printmaking

By limiting your tools you:

  • help create a cohesive composition
  • creating boundaries for discovery and success
  • eliminating chaos and confusion

ferns for gelatin printmaking

So in the prints above I used a fern, the fishing stencil and 4 or so stamping tools.

If you would like more support in creating success with gelatin printmaking, then check out the current workshops.

One student’s experience in Make Monotypes – I wanted to take this class for quite a while, but as I had already experimented a fair bit with a gel plate, I wasn’t sure how much I’d learn.

My friend, a bookbinding instructor took the class a while back, and spoke very highly of it. She really enjoyed it and learned a lot. And I had seen some of her prints that she incorporated into her bookmaking projects.

I’m very glad I took the course – it was exactly what I wanted- it encouraged me to use my own images and experiment with found objects and stencils/masks I created myself.

So many other books, videos and blog posts focused on use of commercial stencils and other products.  I really appreciate that this course focuses on finding or making one’s own tools!

Gerry McG.

 

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First Friday – Pop UP ART @ Wingate

Haverhill / /

 

Today, I was working with Debbie Shirley, friend and awesome painter of signs, cars and food from unusual angles. Check out her painting and prints at DebbieShirley.com

We were getting ready for the POP UP art boutique that is happening this Friday and Saturday at 21 Wingate St #104, Haverhill, MA. (The Creative Haverhill Space)

wingate street haverhill POP up art
Join 9 local artists, shop and visit other local businesses as well.

We would like to give a big thank you to Melinda Barrett of Barrett’s Specialty Foods for posting and sharing the information about the POP up Art Boutique in her storefront. So if you are enjoying the Better Block Activities and the O+ events it will be a natural flow to come to the POP up Art shop as well.

Melinda Barrett helping spread the word about POP up ART on May 5 and 6

 

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