Botanical Monotype Collage
Unlock the Magic of Layered Printmaking & Collage
Take your monotype printing to the next level with this in-depth, process-driven course focused on creating stunning botanical-inspired collages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced artist, this class will help you develop a richer, more cohesive art practice with techniques that build confidence and creativity. During class, we will be focused on taking our inspiration from botanicals — flowers and leaves.
Through a step-by-step approach, you’ll learn how to:
- Create beautiful, layered gelatin prints with botanical elements
- Master composition, contrast, and color harmony for a polished look
- Fix problem areas and transform “meh” prints into masterpieces
- Use glazing, mark-making, and collage techniques to add depth and texture
- Know when a piece is finished (no more second-guessing!) – There’s a list of 13 questions to ask yourself!
You are probably familiar with the idea of making pretty papers on the gelatin plate and then using them for collage. That is NOT what we are doing. We are mixing collage and gelatin printing – going back and forth between the two processes to create finished art.
Class one covers:
- The basics of using a commercial gelatin plate.
- How to print with stencils and masks.
- How to print with actual leaves and flowers.
- Registration
- What paint to use.
- What paper to use.
- And more!
Class two covers:
- The basics of collage.
- Glues are not all the same.
- How to determine which monotypes are keepers and which are collage fodder.
- How to choose collage paper.
- How to make collage paper based on your monotypes.
- Hand cutting.
- Making your own stencils/masks.
- Tips for creating layers.
- And more!
Class three covers:
- Creating a clear focal point.
- Finishing touches.
- Fixing “mistakes.”
- How to present your work.
- And more!
You have instant 24/7 access to the online classroom, which contains 6 units:
- Welcome & Supplies
- Class One: Nature Printing (replay of Zoom class plus a written list of takeaways)
- Class Two: Layering Collage & Gelatin Printing (replay of Zoom class plus a written list of takeaways)
- Class Two: Additional Videos (6 pre-recorded videos: Value Contrast, Why Collage, Making a Custom Mask, Warm/Cold Video, and two versions of a process video – one fast forward and one in real time)
- Class Three: Finishing (replay of Zoom class plus a written list of takeaways)
- Next Steps: A list of six actions you can take to continue making botanical monotype collages.
Each unit has a space where you can ask questions or leave comments. And you can post your work in the Balzer Designs Students Facebook Group, if you wish to.
Exciting New Additions:
This class now includes three exclusive downloadable and printable artist guides to support your learning:
- Guide to Finishing & Presenting Artwork – Step-by-step strategies for refining and completing your work with confidence.
- Continuing Your Art Practice – Actionable exercises and routines to keep your creativity flowing long after the class ends.
- Bringing Unity & Contrast to Your Art – Deep dive into the mechanics of contrast, layering, and cohesion for stronger compositions.
Each comprehensive guide is 7-8 pages long and has space for you to make notes as you work through the lessons. The guides are so complete, that you don’t even need to watch the videos. You can get all of the class content from these three written guides!
With instant access to all class content, you can work at your own pace, revisit lessons as needed, and take your botanical monotype collages from good to gallery-worthy.
Join today and create with confidence!
Please note: The live Zoom classes have already happened. In the classroom you will find the recordings on each of the three-hour sessions.