I am VERY busy with my two online classes, Sketchbook Practice and Text and Image, so I'll be posting a little less frequently for the next six weeks or so. However, I couldn't help sharing this with you. I'm sure many of you have heard of GelliArts' gel printing plates. They are like very firm clear jello, but they are permanent, and you don't eat them. For more information and video tutorials, go to the
GelliArts blog or
web site. I've always wanted to try gelatin printing, but never got my act together to make trays of stiff jello. This synthetic gel plate has been a blast. I've added it to my vocabulary of scribble painting tools, and I'm exploring ways of making prints. Here are a few images from recent explorations.
This was made by pressing texture plates into the paint before printing; masking with sequin waste, and using my spritz-blot technique.
I had the idea of using string and thread as masking tools, and here is what I came up with:
This one is the "ghost prints" of another string paper:
On these next two I used
"Plan B", described on GelliArts' blog.
In my
Mono Print Collage class, which I'm offering at
Studio Place Arts in Barre, VT on April 20, we will focus on making richly printed papers, and then use those papers in collage. I am, however, also figuring out ways of making prints, and I have a couple of early attempts to share with you.
I start with a sheet of printmaking paper cut to 8"x10", which is the same size as my printing plate. I mask off the edges with 1.5" low-tack artist's tape. Then I start printing, masking, collaging, and printing some more. I have yet to get a handle on this technique, but it seems to offer loads of possibility. Let me know of your experiences with mono print, gel plates, or anything else!
Wow! Love the two prints. Sure does beat gelatin! By doing your collage papers and your background, you more than get your money's worth. Another one of those things waiting for me to get around to it. sigh. . .
ReplyDeleteThey are fabulous, Jane! So bright, colorful, vibrant. The layering and textures are really appealing. Thanks for sharing. Tonia
ReplyDeleteJane, are you using printing inks or are you trying the acrylic paint mixed with Open Medium? I remember you were excited about the latter (as was I) when I posted about it in the Comp class. Just wondering if it works.
ReplyDeleteHi Nan. I am using Golden Fluid Acrylics and craft acrylics.
DeleteWhat is Open Medium?
DeleteHi, Polchow. Open Medium is a Golden product for extending drying time--i.e. making paint easier to use for printing processes.
DeleteI've recently been mixing it with my fluid acrylics (makes them slicker on the plate and gives me more time to design) and with my printing inks (makes them waterproof when dry).
Have used this for textile printing, so fun!
ReplyDeleteJane, I too have wanted to try this you tempted me once again. Honestly since I began to follow your blog and take your classes my days need extending to at least 48 hours to get even 25% of what I would like to play with..
ReplyDeleteThanks for these inspiring pictures and links... Bj
Love those last two. What little I have done doesn't resemble this quality at all. Wow!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great blog post Jane! Love the magic you make with the gelli plate :)
ReplyDeleteNancy
Gelli Arts
I like this kind of mark making very diverse ;0) Good luck with the courses hun Dxx
ReplyDeleteOMG JAne you have done it again!!! The circle gel prints are really gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteYou must do this at Inky's. I am going to write them and ask if that is ok with you. Monotype/ gel prints. it will be at least the second request so maybe they will hear the interest this time!
Gorgeous Jane!!!!!!!!! You have a printing press? You need to have a press to do mono prints, or is that not the case with the gelli thing?
ReplyDeleteThese are great Jane...I admire how you always try new things.
ReplyDelete