Create an Ombre Gel Print with Asemic Lines
Last updated: October 2, 2025
Working Artist Jacqueline Sullivan combines asemic writingโexpressive, wordless marksโwith a warm-to-cool ombrรฉ background and graphic circle textures. Youโll mask your writing first, build a layered print on a Gel Press plate, and finish with crisp Petite Square accents that unify the composition.
Quick Links to Supplies
- Winsor & Newton Masking Fluid + fineliner/needle applicator
- Joggles foam stamp (or similar bold motif)
- Printing paper (one for registration, one for printing)
- Brayer
- Golden Open Acrylics: Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold, Indian Yellow Hue, Titan Buff, Napthol Red Medium, Teal
Steps
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Lay down asemic writing
On your printing sheet, draw flowing marks with masking fluid (loops, dashes, stacks). Let it dry fully (10โ20 min). Focus on rhythm, not letters.Pro tip: Concentrate most marks below your โhorizonโ (where dark meets light) to anchor the eye. -
Roll a smooth ombrรฉ
On the 12" ร 14" plate, bead three colors horizontally (e.g., Napthol Red โ Indian Yellow โ Titan Buff). Brayer lightly in long passes to blend; lift and change angles to avoid ridges.Palette tweak: Swap Titan Buff for Teal at the top for a warm-to-cool contrast. -
Add controlled texture
Stamp the Impressables Overlapping Circles onto the plate to lift paint and leave delicate rings. Keep most texture below the horizon so the top remains calm. -
Print over the masked paper
Use a registration sheet or corner marks. Lay the masked paper face down, burnish from center outward, and pull in one smooth motion. Your writing stays preservedโmasking magic! -
โIf you canโt fix it, feature itโ with Petite Squares
Have stray marks? Load the 3" Petite Square with Teal and stamp it three times down the center (or along a strong axis) to unify the composition. Reload paint each impression. -
Connect & finish
With a foam stamp and Teal, add small bridging motifs directly on the print so squares feel anchored. When dry, gently rub off masking fluid to reveal crisp lines. Sign and date.
Design Tips
- Odd numbers win: Three repeats feel intentional and balanced.
- Horizon control: Keep bold textures below midline; leave the top airy.
- Edge play: Let at least one square kiss or cross an edge to avoid a โstickerโ look.
Palette Variations
- Modern Neutral: Titan Buff โ Payneโs Gray โ Teal accent
- Sunset Glow: Quinacridone Nickel Azo Gold โ Indian Yellow โ Napthol Red edge pops
- Cool Calm: Light Gray โ Cerulean โ Teal with white linework
Common Issues & Fixes
Cloudy prints (too much paint)
Roll a thinner coatโtwo light passes beat one heavy pass. Let paint set 5โ10 seconds before pulling.
Jagged lines after masking
Masking fluid wasnโt fully dry. Give it more time or draw thinner lines. Rub off gently when fully dry.
Patchy pulls
Burnish more evenly and pull steadily. In very dry rooms, a slightly thicker coat can help.
FAQs
What is asemic writing in printmaking?
Asemic writing is expressive, wordless mark-makingโloops, lines, and gestures that read like text without forming letters. It adds rhythm and a hand-made feel to layered prints.
Can I use masking fluid before gel printing?
Yes. Draw your marks with masking fluid on the paper, let it dry completely, print your layers, then gently rub off the masking to reveal clean lines. Dry time is key (usually 10โ20 minutes).
How do I make a smooth ombrรฉ on a gel plate?
Apply 2โ3 small beads of color across the plate and brayer in long, light passes. Lift and change angles to blend transitions and avoid ridges. A slow-drying paint gives more working time.
Which paints work best on Gel Press plates?
Acrylics are the go-to. Many artists prefer slow-drying formulas (e.g., Golden Open) for smoother blends and easier pulls. Standard acrylics work well tooโjust roll thinner coats.
How much paint should I use on a 12โณร14โณ plate?
Think sheer film, not coverage. Start with pea-sized beads (about 2โ3 total) and brayer thinly until you can still see a hint of plate through the paint. Add tiny amounts if needed.
Why are my gel prints cloudy or muddy?
Usually too much paint or over-brayering. Use thinner coats and let paint set 5โ10 seconds before pulling. If itโs still murky, quiet the plate with a very thin veil of your lightest color.
How do I avoid roller lines when brayering?
Keep pressure light, roll in long passes, and lift to change direction. If lines appear, clean the brayer, re-ink with less paint, and roll from a fresh angle.
How do I clean and store a Gel Press plate safely?
Wipe with mild soap and water or a small amount of baby oil. Avoid sharp tools and harsh solvents. Store flat with the protective films, away from heat and direct sun.
Project by Jacqueline Sullivan, Working Artist for Gel Press. Products used: 12" ร 14" Plate, Impressables Overlapping Circles, Petite Set A (3" Square).