In this class, we are going to be playing and experimenting with the Gelli Plate to create unique and interesting abstract prints. I love working with the Gelli Plate as it allows me to mimic some of my favorite Oil & Cold Wax looks without all the clean-up and drying time oil paint requires. I was inspired by some of these techniques and looks and figured out how to recreate them with my Gelli Plate.
I have lots of fun projects for you in this class, showing you tons of techniques you can use to experiment with in your own art. Check out the different projects below!
This class is for you if:
- You love learning new techniques for your art
- You are interested in interesting abstracts
- You love watching how others approach their art practice
- You love experimenting with your art supplies
Supplies:Â
These are the supplies I'll be using in class... definitely get creative and experiment if you have some other supplies or ideas that come to you as you go through the class.
- Mixed media paper- I'm using the Strathmore mixed media paper 400 series in class - the Gelli plate works great with smooth papers. You can experiment with the papers you use and see which ones give you the looks you are going for. I did not like the cold press watercolor paper I tried - it had too much texture to give a smooth look, but the more I look at those pieces - the more I like them now... so go figure! :) I'm using the 6x8 pad in most of the class and the 9x12 pad for the larger project. You could get a larger pad and cut the paper down if it is cheaper that way.
- Gelli Plate - These come in so many sizes now that you can go with the one you think you'd use the most. My favorite ones are 5" x 7" and 8" x 10" which are the sizes I'm using in class.Â
- Yupo paper - this is optional - but this paper is fantastic for making stencils for your Gelli Plate. Yupo is a plastic paper - so any brand is fine.Â
- Brayer roller - You need the hard rubber ones. I like having 2 sizes. the standard 4" one and a 2" one.
- Acrylic paint in your favorite colors. I show you a variety you might consider. The Liquitex basics are some of my favorites to use with the Gelli Plate.
- Catalyst Wedge or silicone brush. I wanted to try out doing some bold marks for color without using a brush. You can use whatever feels good to you when you finish class and get to painting!
- Painters tape to tape down your paper
- Stencils if you want to experiment with stencils. I'm playing with the Punchinella in class.
- Acrylic ink - for some details on top if you want to experiment with that. I love Paynes Gray for that.
- Baby oil - this is what you use to clean your Gelli Plate
I mention in class 2 books that I find inspiring for abstract art - they are cold wax and oil paint books - but a look I can easily mimic in the Gelli Prints we are creating. You don't need these books for this class - I'm just showing you a bit of where my inspiration came from for this class.
- Wabi-Sabi Painting With Coldwax by Serena Barton
- Cold Wax Medium - Techniques, Concepts, & Conversations by Rebecca Crowell & Jerry Mclaughlin
