Nature Printing: Creating Monotypes Using Natural MaterialsMonotypes Using Natural Material

Many artists use a gel plate to create collage papers and other patterned papers to use in their artwork. In this workshop, on day one, we will explore the different methods of using the printing gel plate to create these papers and explore print making with natural materials. On day two we will take the process to another level and learn how to create one-of-a-kind monotype finished paintings exploring pre-thought out compositions with layered pulls from the gel plate. The result is a unique and individual outcome.

Angela is an award-winning watercolorist and instructor and a juried member of several art societies. She began teaching acrylics in 1984 and studied in oil from 2002 to 2003. In 2006 she changed directions and studied watercolor techniques in Florence, Italy. She began teaching watercolor classes and workshops in 2008.

Must have

• Gelli Arts Gel Printing Plate – 5 x 7 or 8 x 10 size. Available at dickblick.com, amazon.com or other art supply stores

• Plexiglass scrap cut to ½" larger than your plate size. A 11 x 14 size is available at Home Depot for about $6 or Tap Plastics in Tigard may have scraps really cheap.

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• Soft Rubber Brayer

• Acrylic Paints in the tube, minimum of primary colors and one black and one white.

• A variety of papers to print on such as :

o Watercolor paper – cold or hot press – smooth means it’s easier to print on

o Strathmore and Canson fine art papers

o Bristol paper

o Deli paper

o Tissue paper

o Yupo

o Textured paper or fiber paper

• Paper towels

• A few brushes

• Scissors

• Baby Wipes – we will use these for cleaning your plate

Optional

• Rubber gloves

• Stencils – any plastic type stencils will work

• Stamps – any rubber stamps will work

• Other textured materials you might have lying around the house like: (think outside the box and get creative. If you think it would leave a pattern, you are probably correct.)

o Bubble wrap

o Mesh bags that come around fresh fruit

o Dry wall tape

o Textured fabric

o Yarn or thread

o Cardboard

• Ink pens- permanent and archival like Micron in various sizes

• A selection of unique materials to create patterns and texture.