Gel Plate Printing

I've been using a gel plate for many, many years.  I love how it helps me make prints on paper and fabric without having to draw but just work with color and abstract images.

I recently discovered a wonderful NYC artist who has brought working with a gel plate to another level — Fulton Sim.  He uses layering, mark-making, and masks to create amazingly beautiful prints.  He calls himself the “ArtWhisperator88” and you can find his videos on YouTube.

I am addicted to watching him work.  I can never replicate what he does since, first of all, I won't copy other artist's work.  But I love experimenting with different masks I create myself as well as experimenting with my own color palette.  Here is one of my pieces I especially like.  

If you have a gel plate, a brayer, some acrylic paints and a couple of sheets of card stock, I recommend watching his videos and creating some prints that are unique to you.  It takes some practice to figure out what works (dark to light, light to dark, shapes, etc) but that's the fun of it!  It's only paper and paint so just delve in and experiment.  If it doesn't work out, you can use the prints in a collage.  Be brave!