Wipe Out Monoprinting

Create unique monotypes by wiping paint OFF your Gelli plate. Watch this fun video to see some great effects you can achieve using the fabulous new Catalyst Wedge tools for Gelli printing!



This is a subtractive, or negative, method of monoprinting. That means you start by applying paint to your plate � and remove some by wiping it off to create your image.

Combs and scrapers can create an exciting variety of highly individual mark-making resulting in original and unique Gelli prints.

Wiping combs and scrapers across the Gelli plate is a fast and easy way to create dynamic patterns. I'm using Catalyst Wedges, made by the Princeton Brush Co., for these techniques � and they work beautifully! I am loving these tools!

In case you're not familiar with the new Catalyst Wedges � they're made of silicone and ergonomically designed to fit in your hand. Fun to use. Easy to wipe clean � and dried paint peels right off.  How perfect!

And did you notice that the prints in this video are created on our NEW biggest Gelli plate?  YES!  That plate is 12"x14" � so for those of you who are looking for a larger Gelli experience � it's now available :)

To make your print:

1. Apply paint to your Gelli plate and roll it out with a brayer. Using several analogous colors can give your print added interest.
2. Swipe the comb tools into all kinds of patterns. Use a scraper tool and remove some of the paint to make your marks. Be spontaneous and have fun!
3. Cover your painted plate with paper. Rub to transfer the paint � and pull your print.

TIPS:

Layer comb lines in different and crisscross directions to create complex patterns!

Layer one wiped print over another!

Comb into the paint before you add stencils and masks for another element of pattern in your prints. Love that!

Easy! Fun! And totally addicting!

And since we're talking about wiping out � let's not forget the ubiquitous pencil eraser! It's a perfect tool for making dots! Just press into the paint and it will leave a nice round mark! Try it! Cotton swabs also do the trick :)

Wiping paint off the plate creates prints with areas that are perfect for working back into. It's fun to doodle in the blank areas!

Write journal entries along the swirly combed lines! Add collage elements!

Fill in wiped out areas with watercolors, sprays, Distress Stains and more! The acrylic paint will act as a resist. (See blog: Are We There Yet � for ideas and info!)

So many possibilities!

This Contest is officially CLOSED

Eager to get your hands on these fabulous state-of-the-art new Catalyst Wedges?

Here's a truly AMAZING GIVEAWAY to get you wiping out print designs like crazy!

And hey, who says the number 13 is unlucky???!!! Not us!

THIRTEEN! � yes, 13 � lucky winners will be selected at random to each win a set of three (3) new Catalyst Wedges.

 

ONE lucky GRAND PRIZE WINNER will ALSO win a 6x6 Gelli plate in addition their set of 3 Catalyst Wedges. *GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED*

 

To enter to win all you need to do is leave a comment here on the blog....

**If you announce our giveaway on YOUR blog or Facebook page, your name will be entered TWICE � doubling your chance to win! Just make sure we know you've done it :)**

This Contest is officially CLOSED 

A HUGE Gelli thanks to the wonderful Princeton Brush Co. for contributing their ultra-cool wedges to our blog giveaway!

The winners will be announced on (this Friday - November 23rd, 2012) here on the blog � and by Nancy on the Gelli Arts Facebook page.

Good Luck! And Happy Printing!

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The Painterly Monotype

One of the many exciting advantages of the Gelli gel printing plate is how simple it is to create a painterly monotype without a press! 

 

This video shows how to create a painterly monotype using a reference photo under your plate! 

 

Here's the info � and some tips:

1. Place your reference drawing or photo on your work surface and tape in place.

2. Place your Gelli gel printing plate onto a plastic sheet � position this over your reference picture, and tape the plastic sheet in place. Mylar, plexiglass or acetate are great for this. (I use an inexpensive piece of styrene from the craft store � intended for faux stained glass.) 

Note: Do NOT place your Gelli plate directly onto your reference picture.

3. Use a soft paintbrush and paint your plate with slow-drying paint, such as Golden Open Acrylics. 

4. When your painting is complete, cover with your printing paper, gently rub to transfer the paint � and pull your print. 

Easy! 

TIPS:

• To retain the beauty of your brushstrokes � apply the paint in a thin layer. Thick applications of paint will print as blobs.
• Slow-drying paints, like Golden's Open Acrylics, will give you time to develop your painting.
• Adding an extender, like Golden Open Medium, Open Gel, or Glazing Medium to your regular acrylic paints will slow their drying time. They will also add transparency to the paints.
• Remember: Your print will be the reverse of your painted image.
• Using a guide under your plate is an excellent way to work in a series. You can create different and unique prints based on the same image.
• Painterly monotypes are often great beginnings! Consider working back into your prints with watercolor, pencils, ink, pastel, and collage!
• The clear nature of the Gelli gel printing plate is perfect for using a reference picture under it. If you prefer creating spontaneous images � place your Gelli plate on a piece of regular white paper. That way, your plate is a blank surface for painting.

Either way, have fun creating painterly prints! We hope you'll 

share your prints with us on the Gelli Facebook Page! Thanks!

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