Luminous Layers: Transparent Gel Monotypes

About this event

In this one-session workshop, we’ll explore the delight of building gel plate monotypes with transparent color. Using printmaking paper and Golden Open Acrylics, you’ll learn how to create rich, layered images through both additive marks (painting and drawing directly on the plate) and reductive techniques (wiping, lifting, and masking from an inked plate). We’ll also cover basic registration for printing multiple layers in alignment.

Students will leave with a small series of finished prints suitable for framing or for use in collage and mixed-media.

All levels welcome: Prior experience with gel printing, monotypes, or acrylic painting is helpful but not required.

Registration closes November 14, 2026. Material fees are included with your registration to cover the supplies provided in class. Students may want to gather additional materials for class (see the materials list below). This list will also be provided with the registration confirmation email.

Sample image by Clare Winslow

WORKSHOP SUPPLIES:

Registration includes a $40 materials fee to cover consumable materials provided in class, including paints, ready-made stencils, stencil material, printmaking paper, and all necessary tools. Students will need to supply additional materials of their own, including:

(optional) Personal apron (we’ll have extras) and/or wear clothing that can get messy

(optional) Your personal gel plate, sized 8×10” or smaller (we’ll have plates available for use in class)

(optional) Sketches or reference images for inspiration

(optional) Notebook or sketchbook if you’d like to take notes

MEET YOUR INSTRUCTOR:

Clare Winslow is a Maryland-based printmaker whose work explores abstraction, process, and memory through layered, gestural images. She studied fine art at The Catholic University of America and printmaking at the Corcoran College of Art, and her practice centers on experimental screenprinting and monotype techniques that translate beautifully to gel printing. A four-time recipient of the Arts & Humanities Council of Montgomery County’s Artists & Scholars Project Grant and a past resident at the Virginia Center for the Creative Arts and in Orquevaux, France, she has exhibited widely throughout the Washington, DC region and beyond. Clare teaches at venues around the DC area, sharing approachable, process-based methods that invite students to experiment and discover their own visual language. Learn more about her work at clarewinslow.com.

WHAT PARTICIPANTS ARE SAYING:

“Clare did a wonderful job providing best practices for Gel Plate printing. She shared valuable information and techniques that I couldn’t readily find online. Fellow participants also provided information on helpful techniques and tools.”

“Loved it, hope to come back.”