Gel Plate Color Challenge | Blue
Sometimes choosing colors is the very thing that slows us down. In this blue gel plate color challenge, I limited myself to working with only shades of blue paint to see how much depth, texture, and variation I could create within a single color family. By narrowing the palette, I found it easier to focus on layering, mark making, and experimenting with new texture tools without overthinking color combinations.
The result was a cohesive stack of blue collage papers and a reminder that creative freedom often comes from gentle constraints. This session is part of my ongoing gel plate color challenge series, where I explore one color at a time and build ready to use papers for future mixed media projects.
Supply List:
Gel Printing Starter Pack:
Gel Press 6x6” or 5x7” gel plate: https://amzn.to/48QI0Sd
4” rubber brayer: https://amzn.to/4axTg7p
Liquitex Basics Set: https://amzn.to/4owmwyH
1 Ream of copy paper: https://amzn.to/4pplENG
Gel Plates:
Gel Press gel plates - multiple sizes: https://amzn.to/44e63If
3” each - Gel Press Petites - set of 3 shapes - https://amzn.to/4iIa4dR
Gelli Arts gel plates - multiple sizes. https://amzn.to/4pXH8kM
Brayers:
Speedball brayer: https://amzn.to/3ZTiV2h
Budget friendly brayer set: https://amzn.to/3Z1el0G
Paint:
Liquitex Basics - Set of 12 - https://amzn.to/48qXevV
Amsterdam Acrylics Set: Amsterdam Standard Acrylics - Set of 90, All Colors, 20 ml, Tubes
Lukas Acrylics: https://www.jerrysartarama.com/lukas-cryl-studio-acrylics
Nova Color Paints https://novacolorpaint.com/
Pébéo Acrylics: https://www.dickblick.com/products/pebeo-high-viscosity-studio-acrylic/
Blick Fluid Acrylics: https://www.dickblick.com/products/blick-artists-fluid-acrylics/
Da Vinci Fluid Acrylics: https://www.dickblick.com/products/da-vinci-fluid-acrylics/
Golden Fluid Acrylics: https://amzn.to/48LkV2n
Charvin Paint set: https://amzn.to/3yQDm49
Walmart Craft Paint - Apple Barrel: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Apple-Barrel-Acrylic-Craft-Paint-Matte-Finish-Essentials-2-fl-oz-12-Pc/484659680?classType=VARIANT&athbdg=L1200&from=/search
Walmart Craft Paint - Folk Art: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Folk-Art-Acrylic-Paint-Set-Festival-24-fl-oz-12-Piece/52620447?classType=VARIANT&from=/search
Paper:
1 Ream of copy paper: https://amzn.to/4pplENG
Biggie Canson Sketch Drawing Paper 18x24” (I cut into fourths) - https://amzn.to/4ojdWDI
Canson XL 9x12” Mix Media paper sketchbook - https://amzn.to/4pNy3uz
Bristol Paper pad - multiple sizes - https://amzn.to/44bMXm1
Wet Strength Tissue Paper - https://amzn.to/4oeInuQ
Medical Exam Paper - Rolls - https://amzn.to/42EURne
Deli Paper https://amzn.to/4n5qMok
Stencils:
PM Artists Studio: Use code JenFan10 for 10% off at https://pmartiststudio.com/
Options for cleaning your gel plate:
Baby wipes - https://amzn.to/43hx0Z7
Baby oil - https://amzn.to/42hTPdK
Scott blue shop paper towels - https://amzn.to/43glsp2
Other Studio Tools:
Apron - https://amzn.to/4aAqrqW
Green Frog Tape - https://amzn.to/3PsEbJE
Disposable gloves - https://amzn.to/4n74YbM or https://amzn.to/48UkXG9
Ranger Anti-stick craft mat - https://amzn.to/4nLpgbS
Ranger heat-it craft tool - https://amzn.to/3JXK66z
Mist Spray Bottle - https://amzn.to/4iNzffj
Catalyst Wedge/Blade & Palette Knife:
Princeton Mini Blades - https://amzn.to/3Jyla3V
Wedge Tool - White - https://amzn.to/3TyMvrp
Angled Wedge - Grey - https://amzn.to/3n5RL9X
Note: Some of the links above are affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you, if you decide to make a purchase. Your support helps me continue creating these videos. I truly appreciate it!
The paint colors used:
Pébéo:
Iridescent Blue Green
Iridescent Blue Black
Liquitex Basics Fluid:
Phthalocyanine Blue
Liquitex Basics Soft Body:
Light Blue Violet
Charvin:
Ocean Blue
Nicole’s Craft Paint:
Tropic Blue
Daler Rowney Liquid Acrylic:
Galactic Blue
Golden Fluid:
Teal
Payne’s Gray
Phthalo Blue (Green Shade)
Golden High Flow:
Iridescent Gold
Amsterdam:
Cobalt Blue
Prussian Blue Pthalo
Sky Blue Light
King’s Blue
Grayish Blue
Ultramarine Light
Folk Art Craft Paint:
Medium Blue
