Exploring The Trend: Watercolor Paint with Speedball Gel Printing Plates

• Posted on 12 July 2023
• 0

Watercolor painting and gel printing are two incredibly versatile and exciting art forms. While they are often explored separately, combining watercolor paint with Speedball gel printing plates can open up a world of creative possibilities. In this week’s blog post, we'll delve into the fascinating new trend of using watercolor paint with Speedball gel printing plates, discovering the unique effects and techniques that can be achieved when these two fabulous mediums intertwine!

The Magic of Speedball Gel Printing Plates:

Before we dive into the watercolor aspect, let's briefly understand what Speedball gel printing plates are. These plates are made of a soft, gel-like material that allows for easy mark-making and transfers of textures and designs. They are durable, reusable, and provide a smooth surface for creating prints.

Preparing Your Speedball Gel Printing Plate:

To begin, ensure that your Speedball gel printing plate is clean and free from any debris. Use a soft, lint-free cloth or a baby wipe to gently wipe the plate's surface. This step is crucial as any particles or dirt can affect the quality of your prints. And you don’t want that!

Selecting Your Watercolor Paints:

Watercolor paints come in a variety of forms, such as tubes, pans, or liquid watercolors. Choose your preferred type based on your artistic style and the desired effects you wish to achieve. Experimenting with different brands and colors can add depth and character to your prints! Using staining colors alongside granulating colors or iridescent/interference colors will give you a variety of different special effects!

Preparing Your Watercolor Palette:

Squeeze or transfer your watercolor paints onto a palette, ensuring that you have a wide range of colors at your disposal. Consider including both opaque and transparent hues to create interesting layers and textures in your prints.

Applying Watercolor to the Gel Printing Plate:

Using a brush, sponge, or even your fingers, apply the watercolor paint directly onto the gel printing plate. Feel free to experiment with various brushstrokes, washes, or even splattering techniques. Don't be afraid to get creative and let your imagination run wild!

Blending and Layering:

One of the fascinating aspects of using watercolor paint with gel printing plates is the ability to blend and layer colors effortlessly. With the watercolor's transparent nature, you can create subtle gradations, vibrant overlays, or delicate washes on the gel plate. Play with different combinations and explore how each layer interacts with the previous one. Use a brayer to achieve amazing results!

Adding Texture and Patterns:

Speedball gel printing plates have a remarkable ability to capture textures and patterns. To enhance this feature, consider incorporating various tools like brushes, sponges, stencils, or even found objects or botanical/plant matter to create interesting marks on the gel plate. This interplay of texture and color will bring a unique dimension to your prints.

Printing Your Watercolor-Gel Plate Creation:

Once you are satisfied with your watercolor application on the gel plate, it's time to make your print. Place a sheet of paper carefully over the painted gel plate and gently press down. You can use your hand, a brayer, or even a barren to ensure even pressure. Peel the paper away from the plate, revealing your beautiful, one-of-a-kind watercolor print. You can use watercolor paper, mixed media paper, or even printing paper!

Experimenting and Pushing Boundaries:

Remember, art is all about exploration and pushing boundaries! Don't be afraid to try different techniques, combine watercolor with other mediums, or even use multiple gel plates in a single print. Let your curiosity guide you and embrace the surprises that may arise along the way! And never underestimate the power of a GHOST PRINT! You’d be surprised what magic is still LURKING on the plate, even after you’ve made your prints!

By combining the fluid beauty of watercolor paint with the endless possibilities of Speedball gel printing plates, you can create stunning and unique artworks. This fusion of mediums offers a wide range of textures, colors, and techniques to explore. So, gather your supplies, unleash your creativity, and embark on an artistic journey that will open doors to a whole new world of artistic expression. And if you’re interested to learn more, sign up for one of our upcoming Gel Printing with Botanicals Workshops!