Gel Plate Printing & Mixed Media Collage

Instructor: Heather Neilson

Dates: Thursdays, February 5, 12, 19 & 26, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Ages: 18+

Members: $112.50

Non-Members: $125

(Registration deadline:  January 31)

Description:

Explore the playful, layered world of gel plate printing and discover how this versatile process can bring new life to your mixed media work. During the first two sessions, you'll learn how to use a gel plate, brayer, acrylic paint, and a range of tools to create rich, expressive prints full of color and texture. In the final two sessions, you'll transform your prints into 1-3 unique abstract collages on wood panels - including paint, paper, and other mixed media elements to create finished pieces that feel spontaneous, yet refined. 

Materials:

Provided by the instructor for a materials fee (payable to the instructor): 

• 8x10 Gel Plate and Brayer - $16

• Variety of papers - $10

Provided by the participant:

• GOLDEN Open Medium Link to purchase - Dick Blick

• Acrylic paint (your favorite 3+ colors and black and titanium whites).

• GOLDEN Fluid acrylics recommended but not required. Also, if you have GOLDEN OPEN paints, bring them (they are not necessary but are fantastic if you have them)

• 1-3 cradled wood panels recommended size 12x12 but you can work bigger up to 24” if you wish. Link to purchase - Dick Blick

• Soft Gel Semi-Gloss (or glue of your choice if you are experienced) Link to purchase - Amazon

• 2 or more brushes, one being at least 1” wide

• Container for water

• Paper towels

• Palette paper or something to mix your paint on

• Apron (optional)

• Latex gloves (optional)

Instructor Bio:

Heather Neilson is an abstract painter and mixed media artist with over 30 years of experience in the studio. She studied at The Art Students League of New York and has trained with several master artists, continously evolving her process through exploration and experimentation. Over the past decade, Heather has also been an active and passionate art educator, trained by GOLDEN Paints, and committed to helping others tap into their creative voice. Before pursuing art full-time, she worked professionally in marketing and holds a B.A. in Communications from Rutgers University.

Instructor's Website: https://www.heatherneilsonart.com

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here