Introduction To Gelli Printing

Introduction to Gelli Printing

Abstract artwork in shades of blue featuring overlapping curved lines and textured patterns. The composition includes swirling arcs and circular shapes layered over a mottled background, creating a sense of movement and depth. The tones range from light to dark blue, with subtle variations in texture and density.

This easy-to-access technique will give you the skills to create your own prints at home. This will be an experimental workshop which will explore a variety of gelli printing techniques. You will create a decorative print to take away and shown how to create collage with your experimental prints. We will also be using Christmas-themed stencils, so you can print your very own cards and labels just in time for the festive season! This workshop is suitable for beginners and those wishing to extend their printing skills. Participants will have all materials included in the cost of the workshop.

Ran by artist Louisa Maestranzi, she is a practitioner of mixed media, drawing inspiration from the interplay of colour and landscape. Her style leans towards semi-abstraction, employing loose layers and tonal contrasts to capture the dynamism of light and weather in natural settings. Recent explorations have focused on utilising contrasting cool and warm hues for visual impact.

She favours working with large brushes, wedge painting tools, and an assortment of found objects. Fluidity is key in her process, often employing watercolour and ink with splashes of masking fluid and colour to initiate her compositions. The vividness of acrylic paint fascinates her, as its versatility allows for layering and glazing to create depth and contrast. Lately, she has incorporated Gelli printing techniques to construct collages, often integrating wet strength tissue paper for translucent layers.

Her works have been showcased in various exhibitions, including the North Ayrshire Open Arts exhibition, Troon Art Club summer exhibition, and the Waverley Gallery Prestwick. She has also found success in selling her pieces at both Troon and NAOA.

In 2023, as her artistic endeavours expanded, she opted for a larger studio space at Narture in Ayr. Louisa finds joy in the communal atmosphere of Narture, connecting with fellow artists, and relishing the bright and creative environment it provides for her work.