Gelli Plate & Stencils Printmaking Tutorial, Step by Step for Beginners

[@artprof]

Watch our tutorial on Gelli Plate Printmaking: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH3MZGVmfbChq7c

[@MrHamburgerHelper]

I love that you forgot twice lol - so relateable! And thank you for this awesome tutorial!

[@artprof]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@michaellawilson3491]

Watching Clara work is like watching myself- things are everywhere, and I forgot a couple of steps 🤣Just fantastic- Clara you are slowly persuading me to get a gelli plate 😊 I appreciate your wonderful, free-spirited approach to art.

[@artprof]

Hahaha awesome!!! I leave those mistakes in on purpose, I learn more from those mistakes than anything else, so I am often frustrated when people remove the mistakes they make in a tutorial online! -Prof Lieu

[@janhuizer5382]

Hi Clara, Greetings from The Netherlands! I enjoy watching your gelli plate teachings! It is very, very clear. There is a question I want to ask: The original gelli plates cost a little fortune, so I wonder if you could please share a recipe for a DIY plate.

[@artprof]

Hi! I have never made my own gelli plate, but I'm sure there are recipes somewhere online! -Prof Lieu

[@pennycandyys]

m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/iX24ZomgpM2Vq6c

[@pennycandyys]

I believe this is the right one, a printing tutorial as well as she shows you how to make a gelli plate and also gives instructions for a vegetarian version.

[@CatherineSummerfield]

You are THE AWSOMEST !!!!! Great teaching technique,,, great smile... amazing talent !! I smiled a lot. Thank you xx

[@artprof]

We are beyond happy you resonated with us!! Thank you for tuning in, it means the world :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@twicen777]

You are wonderful to watch. A real joy. Great tutor and I love how you show the mistakes as well as the showing the fab results. You're brilliant. Thankyou

[@artprof]

Thank you so much! It's easy to leave the mistakes in there😆. -Prof Lieu

[@conniehuman5979]

Love your honesty and sharing your imperfections...it makes the video perfect. 📹

[@artprof]

yay for mess ups! -Prof Lieu

[@shaunhall960]

Thank you Professor! You are allowing me to take a journey my mom did decades ago. As I mentioned in another video she taught print making and drawing at CU. She passed in 2007 and I would have learned more from her art had she lived longer.

[@artprof]

How amazing that your mom shared the same connection to art that you have :) that is truly a magical thing. What an honor to share videos & techniques with you! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@christinamoynihan4021]

Sooo many relevant details! You are a good teacher. Thanks!

[@artprof]

Glad it was helpful! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@yesmelynda]

Thank You! I’m 100% hooked. I used to make lino prints and I miss it! I can’t carve the lino anymore because of an injury but I love printmaking so much-this seems like the perfect solution! I’m so excited to play around with it. You’re the best, thank you for this!

[@artprof]

Yes it’s so easy, so fast!! Linoleum drives me crazy, so slow and tough on your hands. -Prof Lieu

[@coltworks]

this is incredible... i can't believe the quality of instruction ~ I'm SO grateful for you sharing your knowledge and your humor ~ you're a total inspiration ~ Thank You!

[@artprof]

Imo, learning is much more effective when you can have fun!! -Prof Lieu

[@TheDandyRaven]

You are absolutely delightful!

[@KathyBrooksArt]

Clara you are the most delightful, informative, creative and amazing artist and teacher ever! Your work is so beautiful, and even showing a mistake or two makes you perfect in my book. Love all of your videos. Thank you!

[@artprof]

Thank YOU Kathy!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@carolwheeler9979]

This is artist level print making, vs. craft level🤓🤓🤓. Each type is good and has its place and each has things from which to learn but I’ve been wondering how an art teacher would approach print making so thank you. Love your relaxed style of teaching! Fun😊

[@artprof]

That's so great to hear!! -Prof Lieu

[@kcbirder]

Yeah, my thought was "Wow. If this was the first video I saw for gel printing, I'd never try it." That's all too out-of-reach in terms of products and process for most of us.

[@dinaosullivan3381]

I really like the way you work and your joy in working.You are delightful and a good artist.Dina osullivan

[@Saffirance]

No worries. We love that you are human just like us. Your imperfections make you even more loveable. Your mistakes make us feel better about our own mistakes and absent mindedness. We are all in the same boat. Great tutorial. Thanks

[@artprof]

This is such a kind comment, thank you so much for being part of the Art Prof family! I think the struggle is so much a part of making wonderful, one of a kind artwork :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@jeanninej224]

Just found this channel. You’re delightful to watch!

[@artprof]

Thank you for watching! :) -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@babawawa1953]

Just came across your video. Such a wonderful tutorial. Not a lot of silly banter but a marvelous chat & great info. Love your style. Thank you very much.

[@artprof]

We're happy you think so!! Thank you so much for watching :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@babawawa1953]

AND you make me smile. I needed that. ❤

[@artprof]

Oh yay-- always a good bonus! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@ethellewis4988]

YOU ARE TALENTED AND SOOOOOO ENTERTAINING !!!!!

[@artprof]

She really is!! Prof is the best :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@Bella-d1v9y]

I love your style. Always learn lots! Thanks

[@ericmartin4818]

Waouh ! Merci pour fette vidéo tres inspirante. Jafore vos explications et vos démonstrations. Merci !

[@libertysvoice6539]

This is great. You are so natural on camera! Love it!!!

[@artprof]

Thank you so much!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@pennycandyys]

I think I t’s awesome that you have this resource of videos up online, thank you!

[@artprof]

You're so welcome! Thanks for watching :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@a3dpntr]

Love how creatively you manually cut your shapes... much more immediacy and spontaneity than using a Cricut or other cutting machine. Thanks for sharing your ideas.👌👏🏾👍🏽

[@artprof]

Totally, there are more interesting blips of human error that can be fun to work from. :) -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@lossforwords888]

Thanks for your generosity in sharing your knowledge! Packed with techniques

[@artprof]

Glad it was helpful! I love nerding out on printmaking techniques!! -Prof Lieu

[@simonstclare]

I'm subscribing just because i love the response when things went wrong...and the final results as well

[@alanaschwarz6007]

I am completely fascinated with this process 💕💕💕

[@artprof]

We've got so much more on Gelli plates if you're interested! artprof.org/learn/tutorials-media/printmaking/gelli-plate-image-transfers-in-acrylic/ artprof.org/learn/gelli-plate-monotype-prints/ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@elizabethpears307]

Love the haircut 😀 and your mistakes! What fun, just getting in to this gelli plate printing. Thanks for your video!

[@Cyrilmc222004]

Thank you so much Clara, I really really enjoyed watching you create those gorgeous and stunning print’s on the Gelli plate. I’ve subscribed and given you a thumb’s up too. Please stay safe and well too

[@artprof]

Yay!! Thank you so much for being here!!! Welcome to the Art Prof family :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@chrismechery]

Wow! This is so interesting! I always thought I would need to go back to college to learn this! Thanks for sharing your knowledge 🥰 definitely got me hooked! 😀

[@artprof]

Yes!!! I’ve always been frustrated that most printmaking content is isolated to academia, not anymore!!!! -Prof Lieu

[@joannclupper7902]

Thank you. Although I do have the gelli presses, I have yet to put ink to them. I am in my student phase, where I have watched over 50 videos. You have reinforced a great deal of the things I have already been exposed to, in addition, you have given me so many more lovely tips and tricks. I look forward to learning more from you.

[@artprof]

We're so happy to hear you are learning so much! ❤️ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@juneroque]

I really enjoyed watching this. I learned a lot. You are very talented.

[@artprof]

Thank you so much! We're glad you enjoyed it :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@acidpunk7423]

This is so beautifully drawn. I love your designs

[@artprof]

Thank you for watching! Clara's work is awesome. ❤️ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@Arcadian-Nova]

i should NOT have watched this at midnight aaaaaaaaa i feel the itch to make something now DAMN

[@artprof]

HAHA I always get the best flashes of inspiration at midnight - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@elliefitzpatrick1552]

Oooh, this looks like fun!

[@Lithesomewiz-WS11]

So exciting to see gelli printing! I’m going to try the comb texture today!

[@artprof]

Awesome!!! Show us what you make! -Prof Lieu

[@jazw4649]

These Gelli plates are very expensive in my country. I've seen videos of people making a Gelli plate. Does anybody have experience with this? You are hilarious! Great video!

[@63artemisia63]

@ Jaz W there are recipes online for making your own very cheaply, for just a few dollars. Gel plates in the US aren’t cheap, $25-35 but the best investment I’ve ever made 🥰

[@ReneeMoreno]

Excellent. I am hooked. Have been for along time. Glad to have found your channel 🎉

[@artprof]

Awesome! Thank you! -Prof Lieu

[@ellenvd5543]

Thanks so much for this interesting video! I didnt know you can use ink for Gelli-plate; I only use acrylic paint. Thanks again!! Will try it out.

[@sarahblam]

I received a Gelli plate and this is SO helpful, and your prints turned out amazing! Thanks and I'm looking forward to doing more with my plate

[@artprof]

Ooooo have fun with your gelli plate! -Prof Lieu

[@LeftieLori]

You crack me up! Thanks for the great tutorial!

[@artprof]

Glad you enjoyed it!-Prof Lieu

[@dhyaangambhir]

All of this is so interesting 😊 Clara is really such a good teacher and it feels like she’s my mom and my teacher and it’s so cool 😂 watching all your videos give me a deeper level of understanding of art (atleast for myself lol)

[@artprof]

Oooh you are so kind! We love having you a part of our Art Prof family! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@LarkOnWheels]

Exceptional video. Very informative!

[@artprof]

Glad you think so, thanks so much for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@maggiegallo1354]

I absolutely love printmaking!!! Thanks so much for this great tutorial and introducing me to the gelli plate. I can’t wait to go out and buy one.

[@artprof]

Hope you're having so much fun with your gelli plate! We have several other gelli plate tutorials in this printmaking playlist: kzbin.info/aero/PLvt8_pMl6ywmmh4n-Zs_iIiAASQmSxAli -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@christiannataylor2735]

This made me recall doing prints in my art class when I was in elementary school. It was in this really awesome studio in South California. I made tie pillows and collages 😄

[@artprof]

Ooh that sounds absolutely wonderful! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@robinmurphy2563]

lol such a fun video to watch.. loved your video. looking forward to more to come.

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for watching!! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@robinmurphy2563]

@@artprof

[@mirtaxiomelyssandin2001]

Thank you for sharing your process in gelli print making. I have been in contact with this with another fellow artist, Per choir as technique. I bought for a long time ago a big gelli plate so thank you for the inspiration. 🙏🏾☺️👍👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾

[@artprof]

Omg it sooooo much fun to use a big gelli plate, I have one that is 18” x 24” that was awesome! -Prof Lieu

[@arielle2745]

This is gonna be fun! 💖

[@artprof]

Can't wait to see what you do, Arielle! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@wendybarrows8422]

Oh my gosh, you are hilarious! Great tutorial. Just started following you.

[@artprof]

Thank you so much for watching, we're glad you're here! Welcome to the Art Prof Family :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@RsJaneP]

Clara, I wanted to see you put a stencil down after the “mistake” by printing over the solidly painted (blocked) page with a stencil laid on the plate, then paint, then do another pull. The stencil will block out the background colour revealing something really cool. I do a lot of gelli printing and you’d be amazed at the possibilities, especially if you want to create collage papers. Sorry for ramble, lol! Thanks for showing the reality of being an artist!

[@artprof]

Ooh very cool! Thank you so much for sharing (and for watching!) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@Michele-rn5bf]

Wow! That’s looks like a lot of fun. I’ll have to try that out.

[@artprof]

Let us know how it goes! ❤️ -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@deborahcolman3035]

Thanks so much Prof Lieu. You’re funny and also so talented and such a good teacher. I love watching and listening to you. Now I have a gelli plate on my birthday wish list! 😂

[@artprof]

Hope you get the new gelli plate for your birthday! Maybe you'll come up with your own tips and tricks that you can share with us! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@deborahcolman3035]

@@artprof 🤣

[@ginabadeaux9319]

i love your channel thank you for teaching

[@artprof]

Thank YOU for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@Wilmy.]

Thank you so much, looks like a lot of fun! I am inspired 👍♥️😍

[@SharonNolfi]

Love this tutorial! Thanks.

[@pagorami5253]

AWESOME! gonna use my gelli plates again

[@artprof]

Yess, glad this video got you going! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@DrJones-nh4my]

You’re so funny and creative 🧡

[@artprof]

We're so happy you think so! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@barbriley583]

So fun!

[@kingkasey6539]

ahhh id love to try more printmaking!! ive been searching for outside the box ways to do art and while ive tried linocut before, id love to try this out! im so used to painting and while i do love it, this is just so different i really want to see what i can do with it

[@artprof]

Yes, go for it! We have some other Gelli plate tutorials too that you can watch. I love the one on monotypes because that process is similar to painting, but it opens the door into the world of printmaking. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bH3MZGVmfbChq7c -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@janetculling2903]

just found this. you're adorable!

[@artprof]

We're so glad you liked the vid! Welcome to the Art Prof family :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@63artemisia63]

Great video! Just fyi, I bought my GP 3 years ago, have never stored it in anything and it’s not dirty, dusty or otherwise unclean. I clean it at least once a day by brayering on some paint, laying down and smoothing out a sheet of printer paper and leaving it for 10+ minutes. Et voilà, a spotless gel plate when I pull off the paper. Wish you would look into making stencils without buying plastic, which has virtually destroyed the planet, and make a video about what you discover. You influence enough students, YT viewers and other people to make a difference in plastic consumption. I make stencils with magazine covers. Not perfect but not plastic either ;o)

[@irasemapanizzo]

Muchísimas gracias.

[@artprof]

Thanks for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@s_singh_]

So cool

[@arielle2745]

Wonderful detailed tutorial!

[@artprof]

🥰 🥰 🥰 -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@rachelswartz3536]

Hi Clara!!!! I absolutely love art profffff!!! That's you so much for all the hard work and effort you put in because it really makes a difference to my day when your videos come out!! I commented here already but I want to comment again because of the spring time raffle😆😆😆 for some reason I can't seem to comment under the original video and I can't leave a like either but I want you to know that I am so excited and I it would be so amazing to be part of this amazing opportunity❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️sending love as always😘

[@artprof]

Whoops sorry!!!! I fixed it now, so you should be able to comment on the raffle stream. Tysm for supporting us! -Prof Lieu

[@rachelswartz3536]

Thanks so much ❤️❤️

[@johanna6674]

Great quality video!! ❤️

[@artprof]

Glad you liked it!! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@ulrike1995]

Super Video, gelliplate with printmakers ink are so interesting. I wish More Videos about Gelliprints coming soon.unfortunately the akua ink blurred during I glue the papers for collage.

[@janhuizer5382]

Thank you for sharing you knowledge with us in a fun way! Do you happen to have a recipe for a diy permanent gelli plate?

[@artprof]

I found this resource online that might help you out! www.crafttestdummies.com/recipe-homemade-permanent-gelli-plates/ - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@neilagangitlog]

So cool! I wish gelli plates were available here

[@artprof]

I have never done it, but there are recipes you can find online for how to make your own gelli plate!! -Prof Lieu

[@paulfoote7869]

Good information. I think we've all forgotten to add the stencil at time as well. I disagree about labeling "AP". A monotype can be labeled 1/1 or even just "Monotype", not AP. It really isn't an Artist's Proof because it is a unique print. A proof is a typically from an edition of prints. The printer or artist pulls a "proof" to make certain the print meets the artist's approval before proceeding to print the full edition.

[@artprof]

There definitely are varying opinions on how to label on monotype, at least from what I have seen. -Prof Lieu

[@amynordbytheartist6050]

Love the video. I haven’t tried wetting the paper first… guess what I will be doing today 🤣

[@artprof]

Good luck!! I didn't wet the paper the first time I tried either, haha. -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@PurpleGold.]

You’re so cool.

[@artprof]

Thanks for watching! :D - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@Myname2663-w2z]

You made me laugh forgetting the stencil twice. I am glad you didn’t edit that out

[@artprof]

hahahah I felt SO idiotic, but figured it might help to see how even with experience, you can still do super dumb things? 😂 -Prof Lieu

[@jackiwalker765]

OMG, you are so funny! I would definitely forget to do that last part of printing because I'd be so excited to see the results! Great tutorial! You have to let the paint dry in between adding the next coat of paint, right?

[@artprof]

I think so? Idk, I guess I never bothered waiting because at least if you're using printmaking paper (I'm using Rives BFK) the paper is so absorbent that it's likely already dry by the time you're ready to add another layer. -Prof Lieu

[@berolinastrassmann]

Thanks ever so much for this. I never used mylar sheets like that and this looks amazing. Good to know Akua inks go for gelli plates . I never considered a registration sheet for gelli prints, as I always do it as backgrounds for something else. But for "standalone" pieces, this is a definite plus. Thanks for adding a spot on signing conventions. As a new printmaker I always struggle with this. Perhaps you can consider this as a topic for a short tutorial? It is so hard to find this info, on how printmakers should sign and edition the different types of prints we make. So many questions: is it a new edition if I change a colour? (So easy if using gelli plates) or what if I change the paper? Is there a "log book" where artists should keep track of all the prints produced? Are there any best practices there? I have looked online with little success for guidance on this! Where do people learn this if not going to art school? Again, thanks for this fun tutorial.

[@artprof]

These are all really fantastic questions! Clara is working on a series of printmaking tutorials right now, so I'm sure this editioning topic is something she could consider for one of those. -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@mvswaaij]

Do you have a special reason to use Akua printing ink ? I find that acrylic paints work so much better on the gellplate. Thanks for the lovely video's.

[@artprof]

I happen to like the consistency of the Akua paints, (they are little leaner than acrylics) but you can absolutely use acrylics if you prefer that! -Prof Lieu

[@yp6364]

Thanks for the sharing. I specificly enjoy seeing how you make your exciting stencils. I did not see you put the copy right mark on the paper. Does one need to worry about that, or your name is enough to declare its copyright?

[@artprof]

The name is typically enough! Thanks for watching :) - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@pppreksha]

Can I use silicone sheet, moulds as a substitute for a geli plate

[@artprof]

I would guess probably not; the gelli plates are formulated specifically for this technique. I could be wrong though, try it! -Prof Lieu

[@tatianacalixto133]

great vid! Just out of curiosity: may I know the reason why you signed your monotype "2021"? :)

[@artprof]

omg HAHAHAHA! My reason: I'm stupid and that's a mistake!😂 -Prof Lieu

[@fabrislr9368]

I'm totally the person who would forget the stencil twice 😂

[@artprof]

Sooooo many steps to remember! Imo, impossible to not forget something! -Prof Lieu

[@bconsilio3764]

Hi just came across your channel. Thanks for sharing! You use printing ink vs acrylic paint. What are the advantages? What kind of paper are you using and why do you soak the paper? What is the acrylic plate for? Thanks again Bernadette

[@artprof]

Printmaking ink is much easier to roll onto the plate with a breyer, it has a different viscosity level (thickness of the ink) than acrylics, which is a lot more slippery and therefore not great when rolling out. Soaking the paper allows the ink to be more fully absorbed into the paper, making the inks more rich and vibrant. The paper is Rives BFK, you can see the full supply list plus links here on our main site: artprof.org/learn/gelli-plates-stencils/ Hope that helps! -Prof Lieu

[@bconsilio3764]

@@artprof thanks

[@patticarey8415]

If you were just using copy paper would you wet it?

[@artprof]

Copy paper isn't a great fit, too thin and probably would tear in water I think. -Prof Lieu

[@qesther63]

Thank you for sharing! I thought you might want to know that it is actually advised not to put the plastic sheets back on and to store the plate directly in it's clamshell case.

[@artprof]

Thanks for the info! I was wondering about that - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@kcbirder]

Gelli recommends putting printer paper on both sides of the plate to prevent air bubbles from creating indentations in the plate. It's part of their "basics" instructions.

[@עיריתשכנר]

Thank you . I tried to coppy from a magazin and It failed. Why? Can I use an acrilic colour? The image must be wet?

[@artprof]

You mean you tried an image transfer on a gelli plate with a magazine? You to have the correct materials. Citra solv works with magazines: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gHfMg2lqopabgtE. You can do gelli plate transfers from magazines with acrylic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jYGZp6eKiJ6eipY -Prof Lieu

[@christinecovert7995]

I like the Akua inks. But even months and months later, the ink still is not fully dry. I read that there are no dryers in this ink. I'd recommend slip sheets to store the prints.

[@lisah336]

The first stencil I tried I forgot to remove the stencil when printing! Haha.

[@dmatyas22]

The "BEST" way to store the gelli plates is an issue- the plastic protects them, but causes air buuble marks if not perfectly "stuck" and the manufacturer say dont use them. Using paper separators can get kind of stuck...as the oil leeches out a bit... but that is what I am doing now...

[@artprof]

Mine always get SOOO dirty somehow, even if I take the best care of it :/ guess it's inevitable! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@cwbrownCaroline]

I’ll catch it later, I’m at work right now. 😢

[@artprof]

Hope you can find a good block of time to try it out! -Lauryn, Art Prof Teaching Artist

[@n.c.467]

Lol...groundhogs day !!

[@FragilX]

I would never put a knife, or any sharp object, anywhere near a gel plate. Use a blunt object like tweezers.

[@cravensean]

Well, here's the latest reason I'm going to Hell. I've been looking at gel print videos and thinking about how I could apply the technique to my own work. But I've found myself getting -- at a distance, without comment -- getting snotty and up on my high horse and all itchy and irritable because everybody's videos are about... Oh, golly. "That's stuff you hang in the bathroom. Craft, not art." So when I ran across this, I actually sighed in relief. This video is not what I wanted -- a succinct description of the mechanics of gel plates, the basic means used to pick up and leave behind pigment and how to integrate that with drawing and photography -- but seeing someone pay attention to composition just made me feel good.

[@artprof]

Once someone at a craft fair looked at all of my work and said-- extremely excited-- "oh wow, perfect bathroom art!" I got simultaneously super offended and also strangely happy? I guess I'm still compartmentalizing those feelings, haha! Sometimes it's just nice to allow art to be accessible and pleasing :) Thanks so much for watching! - Mia, Art Prof Staff

[@cravensean]

My spouse was bothered when she kept finding her sculptures in people's bathrooms and I said, "That's what you get for working in white porcelain."