The Gelli plate is so much more than just a background-maker. In this one-day workshop, we’ll take a painterly, process-driven approach to Gelli printing—one that results in stand-alone works of art that feel personal, layered, and expressive.
You don’t need to know how to draw to make something beautiful. We’ll use the plate as a springboard to create images with depth and intention, exploring techniques that move beyond the usual Gelli routine.
What we’ll explore:
• Reverse painting, a method for building images from the inside out
• Drawing materials—like pencils and pastels—used in unexpected ways
• Embossing through pressure, including the delightfully rogue use of a humble ballpoint pen
• Simple, low-tech image reproduction—no frustrating transfers here
You’ll work from images that inspire you—whether that’s something meaningful from home or one from my collection of curious and beautiful source material.
Like always, I’ll demonstrate the techniques, offer tips and guidance, and cheer you on as you find your own creative rhythm. There’s room for experimentation, quiet discovery, and even a few surprises along the way.
This is an invitation to approach the Gelli plate as a tool for making complete, expressive artwork—with a little mess, a lot of play, and results you might not expect (in the best way).
Materials Fee $15 paid at beginning of class includes:
Mixed media paper
Tracing paper
Pencils
Charcoal
Mineral oil
Gloves
Stencils
Texture tools
Printer paper
Extra image
Pens
Padding
Supplies Needed to bring for Class:
Two Gelli plates
An assortment of acrylic paints in your favorite color palette. (I prefer Amsterdam acrylics). Make sure to include a black and white.
Brayer
An assortment of acrylic pens ( I prefer Posca) make sure to include a black and white
4-6 images that you want to work with sized to your Gelli plates. Black and White can be easier to work with but not necessary.
An assortment of paint brushes
A small box of cheap pastels
Matte Gel Medium
Wet wipes
To pre-order supplies, click on this link for Runaway Art and Craft Studio...