Exploring Gelli Printing

Experimental Gelli printing, one-day workshop

Gelli printing is a highly versatile form of printmaking that uses a soft, gel-like plate to create one-off prints by hand. Instead of a traditional press, paint is rolled onto the surface of the plate and then manipulated using tools such as rollers, brushes, stencils, textured materials or everyday objects. Paper is pressed onto the plate to transfer the image, resulting in beautifully layered and unpredictable prints.

Over the course of the day, use simple tools and accessible techniques to explore how to create rich, layered prints full of colour, texture and unexpected results. The emphasis is on creative freedom and experimentation, encouraging you to let go of expectations and enjoy the process. You will build a collection of unique printed papers using a variety of approaches, including working with stencils, found materials, textures and mark-making. Lesley will show you how to layer colour, create depth, and develop visually engaging compositions through repetition and variation. Demonstrations and one-to-one guidance will support you as you explore different techniques and discover your own visual language. As your collection grows, you will have the opportunity to select and refine your favourite prints, considering composition, contrast and colour relationships. These can be developed further into resolved pieces or kept as a resource for future work.

What makes Gelli printing so appealing is its immediacy and sense of play. Each print is unique, with subtle variations in texture, colour and mark-making. Artists can build up layers, work transparently or opaquely, and experiment freely without the need for specialist equipment. It’s a process that encourages curiosity and exploration, often leading to unexpected and expressive results.