Monotypes and the Surprise Factor
Yesterday morning I spent another couple of hours creating monotypes and thinking about how the imagery can become more my own after exhausting many of the experimental possibilities. I’ve acquired a sizable collection of textural objects and things to use as stencils which provide a variety of fun layering and complexity.
But sometimes I want to be surprised. So for this session I wanted to steer the process in my own direction — more intentionally organic, random and intuitive. I’m pleased and even excited about the outcome. The Gelli Plate has a wonderful sensitivity to every delicate mark, which could be easily lost under layers of paint and stencils. I like the monotype best when these intuitive marks can be preserved.
I’m looking forward to pursuing this process further. I love that it is low-tech, immediate, always surprising, and filled with instant gratification.
An Artist's Journal 
I love these. The last one is my favorite. I just ordered a geli plate and I am looking forward to seeing what happens!
Great, Roberta! I can’t wait to see.
Nice prints. I have had a Gelli Plate for about 6 months and use it yet. You’ve inspired me! Ann
Ann, I’ve been looking at your work on your blog. Lovely!!
That’s kind. Thank you. Ann
I mean I’ve NOT used my Gelli Plate yet! Ann
Ann, I’ll bet you’d love it! If you do, would you share your results?
Certainly. I’ll let you know. I bought the G plate after having made several plates using gelatine and pulled some prints off those. (The plates kept in the fridge for ages). Ann
Ann, I’d still love to make a gelatin plate just to say I’ve done it. Low tech art making has a huge appeal for me.
G plates are quick and easy to make. and you’re not restricted to size or shape if you make your own. The disadvantage is its shelf life. I’m going to try using a gelatine substitute next time. Agar-agar. There’s a good book on low tech art materials: Green Guide for Artists, by Karen Michel. There’s a recipe, for instance, for milk paint.
Sorry, I talk too much.
Ann
No you don’t, Ann! 🙂
I’m thrilled to get information from other artists. Thanks for this. Just on that subject, I received a complementary set of milk paint colors from a manufacturer and have never used them! I should get them out. They’re in little brown bags in powder form.
Ah, synchronicity! We each of us have materials we should be using and aren’t! I’d never heard of milk paint before reading about it in Karen Michel’s book. The recipe is simple enough. It’s basically about curdling milk with vinegar and adding pigment to the curds. I hope I can look forward to seeing some of your work in which you’ve used milk paint. Ann
Synchronicity for sure. OK, deal. I will do something with the paints and report back in a future post!
I’ll look forward to that. And I’ll un-pristine my Gelli plate. Ann
These are really engaging, Martha!
Thanks, Nicole! I’m excited to try more.
I have one I have never Gelli Plate I have never used. You make me want to get it out of hiding. Love the abstract nature of these prints.
Deborah, it’s so easy. A breeze to use and full of surprises.