Uploaded January 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
Experimenting with Sketch Transfers: Tracing Paper on the Gel Plate
Ever wanted to get a specific drawing or intricate sketch onto your gel plate without having to paint it freehand in reverse? In this video, I’m experimenting with a game-changing **image transfer technique** using simple tracing paper and parchment paper!
This method allows you to take any sketch or traced image and transfer the graphite or charcoal directly onto the gel plate. It’s the perfect solution for mixed media artists who want the precision of a drawing combined with the beautiful, unpredictable textures of **monoprinting**.
### 🖌️ In this tutorial, you will learn:
* How to prep your sketch for a successful transfer.
* The difference between using **tracing paper vs. parchment paper**.
* How to use a **Catalyst wedge** to burnish your image onto the plate.
* Tips for applying acrylic paint over the transfer without blurring your lines.
* The "Single Pull" reveal of your final artwork.
### 🛠️ Materials Needed:
* **Paper:** Parchment paper or Tracing paper.
* **Drawing Tools:** Soft sketching pencils (2B or darker) or Charcoal.
* **Focal Point:** A drawing or printed image of your choice to trace.
* **Gel Plate:** Any size Gelli Arts or GelElf plate.
* **Burnishing Tool:** A Catalyst wedge (or a brayer/old credit card).
* **Paint:** Acrylic paint (fluid or heavy body).
* **Printing Paper:** Cardstock, copy paper, or art journal pages for the final pull.
Whether you're looking to add portraits, botanical sketches, or geometric patterns to your gel prints, this transfer hack will open up a whole new world of possibilities for your art journal and mixed media projects!
Key Moments and Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction: Dave introduces the concept of using tracing paper (parchment paper) to solve difficulties with image transfers of his "animated girls" characters.
00:32] - Tracing the Image: The process begins by tracing an original sketch onto parchment paper from the kitchen.
02:11 - Initial Gel Plate Transfer: Dave applies the traced image to the gel plate to test the transfer quality before moving on to other characters.
03:25 - First Success: Reviewing the first transfer, which Dave notes is a "pretty close approximation" of the original.
03:40 - Tracing the "Sisters": Dave continues the process by tracing and transferring the other characters to the plate.
08:41 - The Pull: After letting the paint dry completely, Dave uses medical exam paper to pull the final print from the gel plate.
09:35 - Reviewing the Results: Dave evaluates the piece as a "crude" but successful element that can be refined and used in future collages.
10:21 - Conclusion & Community Shoutouts: Dave mentions fellow creators (GE Creates, Just Janice, Art by Julie E, and Arts Really Cool) and invites viewers to subscribe and comment.
Keywords (Comma Delimited):
gel plate transfer, gelli plate image transfer, tracing paper hack, parchment paper art, sketch transfer technique, gel plate printing tutorial, catalyst wedge art, graphite transfer to gel plate, charcoal drawing transfer, mixed media techniques, DIY image transfer, monoprinting for beginners, art journal ideas, Gelli Arts tips, acrylic paint pulling, hand-drawn gel prints, experimental printmaking, single pull collage.
Experimenting with Sketch Transfers: Tracing Paper on the Gel Plate
Ever wanted to get a specific drawing or intricate sketch onto your gel plate without having to paint it freehand in reverse? In this video, I’m experimenting with a game-changing **image transfer technique** using simple tracing paper and parchment paper!
This method allows you to take any sketch or traced image and transfer the graphite or charcoal directly onto the gel plate. It’s the perfect solution for mixed media artists who want the precision of a drawing combined with the beautiful, unpredictable textures of **monoprinting**.
### 🖌️ In this tutorial, you will learn:
* How to prep your sketch for a successful transfer.
* The difference between using **tracing paper vs. parchment paper**.
* How to use a **Catalyst wedge** to burnish your image onto the plate.
* Tips for applying acrylic paint over the transfer without blurring your lines.
* The "Single Pull" reveal of your final artwork.
### 🛠️ Materials Needed:
* **Paper:** Parchment paper or Tracing paper.
* **Drawing Tools:** Soft sketching pencils (2B or darker) or Charcoal.
* **Focal Point:** A drawing or printed image of your choice to trace.
* **Gel Plate:** Any size Gelli Arts or GelElf plate.
* **Burnishing Tool:** A Catalyst wedge (or a brayer/old credit card).
* **Paint:** Acrylic paint (fluid or heavy body).
* **Printing Paper:** Cardstock, copy paper, or art journal pages for the final pull.
Whether you're looking to add portraits, botanical sketches, or geometric patterns to your gel prints, this transfer hack will open up a whole new world of possibilities for your art journal and mixed media projects!
Key Moments and Timestamps:
00:01 - Introduction: Dave introduces the concept of using tracing paper (parchment paper) to solve difficulties with image transfers of his "animated girls" characters.
00:32] - Tracing the Image: The process begins by tracing an original sketch onto parchment paper from the kitchen.
02:11 - Initial Gel Plate Transfer: Dave applies the traced image to the gel plate to test the transfer quality before moving on to other characters.
03:25 - First Success: Reviewing the first transfer, which Dave notes is a "pretty close approximation" of the original.
03:40 - Tracing the "Sisters": Dave continues the process by tracing and transferring the other characters to the plate.
08:41 - The Pull: After letting the paint dry completely, Dave uses medical exam paper to pull the final print from the gel plate.
09:35 - Reviewing the Results: Dave evaluates the piece as a "crude" but successful element that can be refined and used in future collages.
10:21 - Conclusion & Community Shoutouts: Dave mentions fellow creators (GE Creates, Just Janice, Art by Julie E, and Arts Really Cool) and invites viewers to subscribe and comment.
Keywords (Comma Delimited):
gel plate transfer, gelli plate image transfer, tracing paper hack, parchment paper art, sketch transfer technique, gel plate printing tutorial, catalyst wedge art, graphite transfer to gel plate, charcoal drawing transfer, mixed media techniques, DIY image transfer, monoprinting for beginners, art journal ideas, Gelli Arts tips, acrylic paint pulling, hand-drawn gel prints, experimental printmaking, single pull collage.
