Hey everyone! In today’s Quick Tip Tuesday, I’m sharing a reel where I added small dots of saturated color to give a layered gel print a little extra spark.
This particular print had layers of light blue violet, light green, and fluorescent red. Because the colors were layered, stamped, and visually mixed, none of them were really showing in their pure form anymore.
That’s where this little “toothpick trick” comes in.
By dipping a toothpick straight into the paint tube and applying tiny dots of saturated color to the gel plate, I can add a bit of interest and bring a little life into the print without overwhelming the existing layers. The key is to use very small amounts of paint. Too much, and you’ll end up with blobs instead of subtle sparks.
(You may also notice Nugget making a guest appearance in the reel. She has strong opinions about printmaking and likes to offer creative direction whether I ask for it or not. 😺)
You may notice that I add the dots to the plate rather than directly to the print. Printing them with the plate flattens and integrates the marks so they feel like part of the surface instead of sitting on top.
If you ever feel like your layered prints have become a little too quiet or blended, try adding small touches of saturated color on the last layer. It’s a simple way to add a little spice to your print.
Have you tried something like this before? I’d love to hear how you add finishing touches to your prints.
Diana 💕
Thanks for comment, Gayle.