Holly Hughes

Gel Plate monotype is a low-tech, inventive, user-friendly printing method that offers kitchen table convenience for making art at home as well as portability for travel, with no press needed. Students learn all the basics and launch their work in this medium for fun and discovery of new directions, making finished prints and experimenting with imagery and motifs for other artistic practices like painting and ceramics. They also learn an “invisible” collage technique to combine works on paper into larger format works. Simple tools like brayers, rubber tipped clay shapers, brushes, and cut paper allow for complex layered prints.

This three-year advanced mentorship program encourages each student to push their studio practice. Working at a rigorous pace, and engaging in critical dialog with the group and with the instructors in individual critique, artists refine and expand their investigations. Wide-ranging topics include concept and approach to contemporary art practice as well as technical and material explorations. Students are expected to work independently with the support of their class peers and instructors, raising the ambition of their own studio goals. Although primarily a painting workshop, participation by installation artists and other artists working across media is encouraged. The goal of the series is for students to gain community, develop insight into their work and, through discussion, challenge themselves to reflect on their artistic intentions. Critiques occur in person at the Ranch as well as virtually during fall and spring each year. 2024 is the third year of this three-year intensive program. For more information about our next session of The Center, which begins in 2025, please contact Liz Ferrill, Director of Painting, Drawing, and Printmaking at lferrill@andersonranch.org.