Gel Plate Printing for Mixed-Media Art: Taking Your Visual Storytelling to a New Level

by Robyn McClendon

Techniques and projects for using a gel plate--inexpensive and simple--to elevate collage, art journaling, and mixed-media works.

Gel plate printing, an accessible but often-overlooked tool, gives artists of any level a way to add exceptional qualities to their work. Here, mixed-media lovers learn over 25 techniques for enhancing their work.

• McClendon is a popular mixed-media instructor and stencil/stamp designer, with art in museum collections including the Smithsonian and MoMA

• The inside back cover's pocket contains two bonus mylar stencils designed exclusively for the book by McClendon

• Over 25 techniques to combine, such as “Mark Rothko Style,” Glazing and Vintage Photo Silvering, Eco-staining, and Intuitive Collage

• Video links are provided for the techniques

• Throughout, McClendon's unique "ArtMythos Inspirations" sections help your printing express your inner world, using guiding questions and reflection points

160 pages, Hardcover

Published October 28, 2023

Reviews

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, I have to say how much I love Robyn and her eclectic, grungy, iconic art. That she loves book-binding and eco-dyeing makes me love her even more.

This step-by-step illustrated book takes you through roughly 20 complexity-building monoprinting techniques to create lovely pages for use in other pieces or all on their own. There are also videos for each technique on her website for those who need a little more in the way of visual examples. Most of the instructions were detailed enough on their own, but I found some had steps that the pictures provided were not quite sufficient to understand, so having videos was helpful.

The book itself is beautiful and well-made, with thick pages and rich, colorful, detailed pics. The hard-copy book I received arrived with a (very) torn paper cover unfortunately, but was otherwise in perfect condition. Robyn also includes a couple of her stencils in the back, so be aware of that if buying this book used.

I found the book detailed and thorough, although I was hoping for maybe a little more direction and detail in using the pages in bookbinding.

All in all, I recommend this book for anyone interested in monoprinting, from beginners to those with some experience. I have been using gel plates for printing for several years now and still found much to learn from Robyn's creative techniques and helpful explanations behind each skill. If nothing else, her creative spirit and love of monoprinting will inspire you to jump in and experiment.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t wait to get started working the projects in this book. It’s absolutely gorgeous, the instructions are clear, and there’s loads of helpful information about increasing the complexity of a print so it tells a great visual story.

[A. Resa · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a really excellent introduction to different ways to use your gel plate. Some of the videos that go with the book are missing.

[Pixie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I feel like I could follow the instructions to achieve a similar result, or use the ideas presented as jumping-off points.