Image Transfer on a Gel Plate

Image transfer from one medium to another is becoming more and more popular. It is more of a paint resist process than image transfer. Here is a a brief summary of the process:
 

• Browse through magazines and gather the images you like. You can either tear out a whole page or cut out the images.

• Next, prepare your gel plate by applying a thin layer acrylic paint onto the surface of the plate. Evenly distribute the paint with a brayer. Then, lay your magazine images onto the plate and gently press down to transfer the paint onto the magazine page. The parts that don't absorb the paint will create the image on the gel plate.

• Once the ink has been transferred, you can carefully lift the magazine image off the gel plate and let it dry for a minute. Apply a thin layer of acrylic paint to the image on the gel plate. 

• Place a sheet of paper onto the plate to pick up the inked image with the paint layer. You can repeat this process with different images and colors of ink to create a layered and textured print.

• After the print has dried, you can further embellish it with other art materials, such as markers or paint, if desired.
   

Image transfers need quite some practice and experience in order to obtain a good print. The quality of the magazine paper, the amount of paint applied on the gel plate (needs to be “just about right)” and the quality of the paint determine whether the print will come out successfully. Don't get frustrated, it is just a matter of practice!