Unlocking the Magic of Color Mixing Bombay inks, Ecoline liquid watercolors and Gelli Plate Printing

Mar 4

Experimentation is at the heart of every creative process, and my latest deep dive into color mixing and Gelli plate printing brought some fascinating discoveries. From nailing down my favorite color blends to uncovering the key to better Geli prints, this round of trial and error was full of insights.

Finding the Perfect Color Mixes

After testing 45 different mixes, I narrowed them down to 9 that I truly loved. One of the biggest revelations? The warm gray from Ecoline liquid watercolors (718) worked like magic in my blends. There's something about the way it neutralizes and enhances other colors that made it a standout choice.

Gelli Plate Printing: What Worked and What Didn't

I revisited Gelli plate printing, and this time, things seem to click than before. Looking back at my struggles in Munich, the issue might have been the climate and my timing. The acrylic paint likely dried too fast before I could transfer it onto the paper. This time around, in a different environment, I noticed that when the paint didn't stick, it was simply because there wasn't enough of it.

Gelli Printing Using Watercolor. Left no stencil patterns.

Another key takeaway? Using too much water caused the paint to seep under the stencils, leading to blurred and undefined prints. However, watercolor paint tubes—especially those I no longer use—turned out to be a fantastic option for Gelli plate printing. Even gouache could work well for layering effects on top.

Could M. Graham Watercolors Be the Missing Link?

Gelli Printing Using Watercolor thickly:)

One intriguing idea I'm eager to test further is the role of binders in watercolor paints. M. Graham watercolors use honey as a binder, making them naturally sticky. This quality might just provide the perfect consistency for Gelli plate printing, allowing better adhesion and unique effects. I'll definitely be exploring this in my next round of experiments.

Final Thoughts & Future Exploration

Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this round of experimentation. It felt like a mix of problem-solving, discovery, and creative play. I still have more to uncover, and I'm excited to push these techniques further in future projects.

If you're curious to see the entire process and results, check out the full video below. I'd love to hear your thoughts—have you tried any of these techniques? Let me know what worked (or didn't) for you!

Ultimate Conclusion:

Use Ecoline Liquid Watercolor called Warm Gray 718 to mix with Bombay high chroma colored inks to desaturate them if you love muted colors like me;)

Next experimentation, Gelli Printing with using M.Graham Watercolors!

My Youtube video on this experimentation: From Art Regrets to Beautiful Creations: Bombay Inks & Gelli Plate Printing