It is easy to make textured and patterned pieces of gelatin plate printed paper. This is a great way to get started with gelatin printmaking. You can learn a lot about: mark making tools kinds of marks that are possible what happens when you layer These patterned papers can be used for collage or as foundations for a “finished” print. In the class, Simplify, we use simple stencils like threads, circles and weeds to learn what is possible with ink and the gelatin plate. By working in a dark blue-black color scheme, we can easily layer impressions without the need to consider the color mixi ..read more

Sometimes, I get overwhelmed with ideas and then I can’t choose one to play with. Usually, I go for a walk to get some clarity. Then when I get back to the studio I have a 1-2-3 to do list. I like to have just three items on the list, that way I don’t get overwhelmed by a long list. When I finish the three activities, then I can make another list of 3. I think this helps to create a sense of accomplishment. This idea of simplifying can be applied to gelatin printmaking too. I will often: Limit my color palette to cyan and black – classic printmaking colors Use just 3 to 5 stencils of differ ..read more

Today, I had the urge to make a brown bag book. I share with you my process so you can make some too. First I took the bag apart, so it was one flat sheet. Then I ironed out the wrinkles Painted white gesso over the store advertising Added some bold black india ink marks Cut into long 10″ strips (final size 6″ x 9″) The cut the long 10″ strip into 6″ x 9″ sheets Fold each in half and stack inside each other to make a single signature Clip together and punch 3 holes in the spine Follow video instructions to sew together A couple of extra tips: It is ok if the pages are not perfectly th ..read more

Often I like to know how things are going to play out. How the impression will print How the marks will work together How the colors will combine But this wanting to know ahead of time can stifle creative exploration. So I try to remind myself to: “Let go and see what happens. It is only a piece of paper.” When I can suspend the need to know and embrace the attitude of play, then new ideas often show up. It can take some time and warm up exercises to move beyond the need to know. That is one reason that I love the gelatin printmaking process. It is easy to grab: a couple of stencils sta ..read more

You can make interesting marks with simple tools. Enjoy this quick video.   In this online class we will layer marks to reveal a visual story. Read all the details on the workshop page. The suggested supplies: Gelatin plate – FREE recipe here Speedball water based ink brayer paper of your choice – I like 90 lb drawing paper 12″ x 18″ Rice paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″ Tracing paper on a roll or 12″ x 18″ I like these sizes and papers because I am making a long landscape shaped book, but you could do the techniques at any size. So use what you have One large sheet of sturdy printmaking pa ..read more

Generally, I need a reference for drawing. I don’t do so well just drawing from memory or imagination. Some of my favorite drawings are the ones of twigs and organic items found in the woods. They feel authentic, real, most like me. Recently I have been looking back through my sketchbooks to find flowers, leaves and doodles to add to a new book. In the image above, I used the sketchbook drawing of the black vines as a reference for the lower drawing in a new book in progress. The bigger book is one I am creating with the lessons from the Make Marks + Books online class. The book is layered ..read more

I like to make marks with: stamping tools and the gelatin plate. The details can be amazing. a pencil/crayon and my non-dominate hand.  The line can be raw and authentic. small hand made stamps. The patterns can be very stabilizing. I combine these and a few other mark making techniques to make visual story books. If you are curious about this approach to art making, then check out the details of the upcoming class Make Marks + Books. This 7 lesson class is about exploring mark making and using a few simple printmaking techniques to make artist books.  We will use a non-linear a ..read more

Our perception is our reality. And we can learn to perceive things differently. Okay that was a little deep. Let’s lighten up. In my recent days, I have been doing a lot of line drawings of faces. I have done self portraits, zoom participants, and other images as references. I have to admit most of the drawings are not very strong likenesses of the subject. This does not bother me. I am using the drawing process to change my perception and to build my seeing/drawing skills. I like the quick contour line drawing format. It is easy to squeeze in a few drawings every day. I can practice notici ..read more

What is your go to doodle? Do scribble while you are in meetings or on the phone? This may be a way to engage a different part of your brain. Lately, my marks have been dashes and lines with watercolor or acrylic ink. Sometimes I do long lines that become a structure for a list on another day. I think you could make what ever doodle or mark feels good then explore it. It could be a way to quiet the mind or to get your creative juices flowing. And I bet you will end up with some cool patterned papers that can be used for collage projects. I suggest: Use whatever ink, pen or paint that is hand ..read more

Do you have expectations about what your art practice should be? I do. I often get stuck in my tag line, printmaking without a press. Hmm? So does that mean I can’t draw, paint or make books? I am trying to shed that limiting belief. It is challenging. What does it indicate when I don’t feel like printing and would rather draw or paint? I am trying hard to roll with the different interests and to trust that it will lead to a new artistic expression. I am embracing the idea of trusting the process and that the product will be revealed. It is hard to be in between things, not knowing the end ..read more