While not the first product that comes to mind for use on a Gel Press Plate, ink sprays are actually a viable media for monoprinting, so long as you take a moment to add an intermediary layer. That layer works with the sprays, allowing them to stay in place rather than bead up or puddle.
What is the intermediary layer? In today’s video it’s Gel Medium or Iridescent Medium, though it can be other things like gesso. Both dry clear, but the Iridescent Medium adds a layer of glimmer which provides a very different look.
If you’re wondering why even bother… for me it’s the challenge of finding ways to use stuff I already have, but in not-so-usual ways. Plus you never know when you’ll stumble upon something really interesting as part of playing around. That kinds of serendipity is always exciting.
Since so much of the way we work as mixed media artists involves layers, think of this as a new option for creating them. Ink sprays are transparent and Gel Medium dries that way, so working in this fashion means you can build layers, all the while still being able to see what’s underneath.
I found the process to provide really interesting results, especially once I added in our Creative Art Textures to add texture to the Gel Medium before applying the sprays. I hope you give it a try too!
Supplies For This Video:
Dina Wakley Gel Medium – click HERE for the 4 ounce jar, HERE for the 2 ounce tube, or HERE for the 1 ounce squeezie bottle.
12 Comments
That’s an awesome discovery. Thanks so much for sharing, Barb.
Hi Barb! I haven’t watched, shopped or anything for about a year since we foolishly tested the real estate market early last year and sold our home in a minute, lived in our motorhome for five months while we bought and renovated our new place and I had little to no place to do “messy” art, not to mention everything was in storage. I have learned it is very hard to not want to buy and try every new idea or product if I’m watching someone having fun using or doing things with them (and I know you know this cuz you are a very clever lady!) so I had to put you on hiatus. Take no offense please, it was for my own good. The motorhome looked like hoarders lived there anyway with all the extra “stuff” one needs to live. (It was much more difficult to sneak my “creative shopping “ addiction from my dear sweet hubby. He wouldn’t mind, but there are just some things he doesn’t need or want to know!🙃). Having said all that, I am back and I love this!! As I am still putting away things in my new Studio, my spray inks — and I have a LOT of spray inks! — were one thing I was wondering if I should donate. Heck no! Not now! This is pure genius. I know you said that you didn’t invent the technique but thank you for sharing it. And BTW I missed the launch of these new texture stamps so I will have to go check them out and your whole website for what I’ve missed. Thanks for your wonderful videos, you do a great job with them and now I can again look forward to watching!
Hi Laurie,
Welcome back to being creative. :+)
There’s been a lot of new products in the last year so I’m sure you’ll be busy catching up. Lots of fun ideas and techniques too!
Barb
You’re a genius! I’ve just started printmaking a college and I can’t tell you how many ideas are racing through my head right now😀 thank you.
Thanks very much. I hope you have fun!
I have used both gel and irridescent mediums with sprays on tne gel plate and I have loved the results. Thanks for reminding me to use this technique more often. Love your tutorials, Barb!
You’re welcome!!
Hello, thanks for the great technique, Barb! I’m wondering how/whether you clean the gel plate when you’re done for the day. I know many people don’t clean their gel plates, but does the gel medium dry on the plate and mess it up?
Hi Jane,
I don’t clean my plate once I’m done and have not had a problem. Gel Medium is nothing more than the polymer that paint is made from, just minus the pigment. There isn’t a problem if it dries on the plate – it can be removed just like dried on paint is.
Barb
What a wonderful idea! I can’t wait to try and really appreciate your experimenting for me!!!!!
My muse shares your enthusiasm, it’s “freakin’ fabulous”!! Can’t wait to gel up my plate and spray away!! Thanks!
What they said! Another inspiration I can hardly wait to try. My gel plate lives in a closet and I don’t always remember to get it out but this is motivation indeed. Especially since I do have all the ingredients in my stash… (Rubs hands together gleefully) This is gonna be fun…