Gelli Prints

The original gelli print I selected inspired the rest of this piece. The feather imprints and layered patterns were fun and guided me for the rest of this piece. I liked the abstract qualities that came from the textured marks, and I wanted to expand on them by continuing the lines and shapes beyond the borders. The initial dark blue ink influenced me to add tones of green and yellow to create a more vibrant, layered scene. I extended the piece to emphasize more movement and depth and tried to bring the feathers to life, making them feel like they’re floating across the piece. 

This artwork began as a print created using a gelli plate and ink. I layered objects with texture like netting, feathers, and string onto the inked surface to create negative space and patterns. I selected this one because of the clear feather imprints and repeated textures. To further develop the piece, I used watercolor to build the background and colored pencils to add more depth and shading. I also used gel pens to add fine details and more rhythm throughout the scene. 

The process began with brainstorming different ideas and experimenting with textures on the gelli plate. I created multiple different prints, each with its various qualities, but I especially liked this one with its distinct feather patterns and lighter composition. From there, I began extending the art beyond its original borders, letting the patterns go beyond the rectangle to create more motion and flow. I chose to repeat and exaggerate some of the textures—like the stitched marks, ribbons, and feathers, to unify the composition and create a more complete piece. My color choices were influenced by the original blue ink, but I expanded the variety to include green and yellow for contrast and vibrancy.