Over the last few weeks I’ve been working with the Gel Press Plates, playing with different kinds of paint, using stencils, and in general becoming more familiar with ways to add texture and pattern to a print. The more I play the more interested I become, wondering “what if” I do this or that. Those kinds of questions can lead to interesting discoveries since I often don’t quite know what to expect. Some of the time I realize that the “what if” leads to a dead end or a result I don’t care for. Occasionally something really interesting happens; you just never know.
One of the things I’ve realized is that I much prefer to have paper ready to go rather than having to cut it to size. I like using Bristol paper for pulling prints since the surface is very smooth. You’ll also see me work with black paper since it tends to make the most of the metallic paint. Happily, Strathmore’s 6″ x 6″ Artist Tiles fit nicely on the 6″ x 6″ Gel Press Plate.
In today’s video you’ll see that adding texture can be as simple as using a paper towel. Most brands have some sort of pattern embossed on them and you can take advantage of that pattern when you lightly press the paper towel against the paint. Do that through the openings of a stencil and you build pattern within pattern quickly and easily. The patterning of the paper towel adding texture through the stencil openings was one of those “something interesting” things that happen. As Picasso said, “Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working”. To stumble on those “something interesting” occasions you have to be in the process, elbow deep making art.
You’ll also see me work with our new Joggles Foam Stamps to remove paint in the pattern of the stamp from the surface of the plate. When I filmed this video I only had Bubbles and Wonky Layered Circles to work with, but all of the styles can be used for the lifting paint technique. I’m sure I’ll use them all at one point or another!
Supplies For This Video:
Strathmore Artist Tiles – I used the 6″ x 6″ Bristol and Black styles
Deli Paper to roll on and clean the paint off of your brayer
11 Comments
Thanks Barb! I really appreciate the work you put into producing these videos.
I find your videos very motivating Barb. There is always something new you share with us would that be new techniques, advice and /or encouragement.
Thank you.
I really enjoyed this gel plate demo. Thank you so much for all of the video demos you provide…they are always full of inspiration.
pretty cool, barb! i have never thought about using black paper for monoprinting before. i’ll have to do it now for sure. AND i never thought to cut my paper to fit on my plate. duh. that is seriously better. haha! i pinned the video to my joggles video board so i can come back and find it later. thanks!
Wow! Can’t wait to try this myself. Great ideas for the beginner as always. Wonder what you would get using a stipple brush instead of the paper towel?
Thanks for your video Barb. I always look forward to them. By the way, how did you come up with the name ‘Joggles”?
I have watched both videos and found great inspiration from them. I have the 6×6 plate as well as a smaller one. I can’t wait to use both. Thank you Barb for all the videos.
You’re welcome to each of you who said such nice things! Filming videos is a lot of work, but it allows me to play and occasionally make those fun discoveries!
I am curious as to why you just rub your fingers over the paper to transfer the paint from the plate instead of running a brayer over it. Any reason other than expediency? 😉
There is no reason other than the idea that I’m a tactile person and enjoy feeling the process. Plus, I don’t always have a clean brayer nearby!
As I suspected – at least the last part! I’ll admit I’m a “follow the directions” sort of gal when experimenting with new things, and so far my printing endeavors have mostly suggested the brayer approach. How much handier, at least on these small pieces, to know I can just use my hands sans tool – thanks!