Description
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. Monotype printing is also a magical way of revealing intricate patterns in nature. On days two and three, 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.
About the Instructor
Anji Grainger is an award-winning watercolorist, juror, and instructor. A signature member of the Watercolor Society of Oregon, she has received numerous awards in juried shows, including Best in Show from the Northwest Watercolor Society, as well as multiple other accolades. Anji has been accepted and published in three international competitions with Richeson Gallery International and is one of 130 artists featured in Splash 18’s national publication, The Best in Watercolor, Value Edition. Her work is inspired by the magic and wonders of nature, with a particular focus on capturing what is often overlooked. Anji is drawn to the movement of nature, visualizing the growth and twists of a twig or leaf, and aims to capture the stillness of an early morning walk through a field, along a river, or in a forest. Her hope is that viewers of her work will walk away with a fresh perspective and a sense of wonder, wondering, “How does she do that?”
Learn More
www.bluepansycottage.com
Materials List
You will need to bring:
One gel plate
Any size will work, but Anji recommends no smaller than 6” x 6” (note: Gelli plate brand is recommended. Other brands may not work as well).
One piece of plexiglass slightly larger than the size of the plate
Acrylic paint in tubes: various colors (one tube of white and one tube of black are needed, and blue, red, and yellow can be used as a minimum)
Soft brayer
Small watercolor palette and a few brushes for some finish work during the last afternoon
Fresh plant materials that will be gathered each morning from the Sitka grounds. This can be done each day before class. Note that wilted plants can be difficult to work with, so fresh is better. Plants that work well include: Grasses, leaves with lots of veins, flowers with flat or small centers, anything with lots of visual texture
A water container
A roll of paper towels
Assorted papers and surfaces. Suggestions: Hot-press watercolor paper, drawing paper, any smooth printing papers, copy paper, or card stock
Additional (not required) items you may want to bring:
Tissue paper. Any kind lying around the house. This will be used for patterning as well as lifting.
Deli paper, if available. Anji will have a small amount to bring, but some participants may prefer to make collage papers, and deli paper works great for this.
Plain copy paper – the kind you have in your printer.
Craft stamps and stencils, if available. These can be used to build layers.
Anything else lying around that could make a pattern. Participants are encouraged to think outside the box.
Provided by instructors:
Each student will be provided a packet with a selection of texturing materials