TRANSFORM COLLAGE PAPERS INTO ART THAT SHOWCASES YOUR LOVE OF NATURE

Whether you’re an advanced Gelli artist, or a curious newbie, get ready to create layered, ethereal botanical art - rich in history and mystery, full of depth and subtlety. Create work that’s a true expression of you and your passion for the natural world.

Join me in searching out and celebrating beauty beyond the traditionally pretty - beauty in imperfection rather than in the uniform and predictable.


BOTANICAL GELLI WITH RACHEL DAVIS
AN ONLINE SELF-PACED WORKSHOP


TAKE A PEEK INTO THE COURSE:

All lessons available immediately when you purchase.
Discover the material at your own pace. Re-visit it anytime you like.



 

A GLIMPSE OF WHAT YOU’LL GAIN:

The workshop will take you way beyond the Gelli basics, guiding you step-by-step through the creation of richly layered botanical art. Full course outline below.

  • A BRAND NEW LENS: Learn composition and design principles inspired by Ikebana -

    Japanese Flower Arranging.

  • CONFIDENCE IN CHOOSING BOTANICALS: Learn which botanicals work best, which don’t, why,

    and how to make beautiful prints using simple, easily accessible plants.

  • MASTERY OF TECHNIQUES: From basic Gelli printing to advanced layering and 3D techniques you

    won’t believe are possible.

  • BEHIND THE SCENES ACCESS: Insight into both improvisation and decision-making as I create two

    pieces of art from start to finish.

  • A “LOVE FIRST” APPROACH TO PROCESS:: Turn the volume up on what you love. Hone your visual vocabulary in unexpected ways, rather than just copying techniques.

 




ALL LEVELS WELCOME

If you have a passion for botanicals, an interest in Gelli plate printing, or a desire to hone your own artistic vision, this class is for you.

Beginners will be able to easily follow along with the clear instruction and a brief module on the basics.

More advanced students will walk away with new techniques and ways of seeing

 

WHAT MATERIALS WILL I NEED?



A detailed materials PDF with links to all materials, the necessary and the optional, will be provided upon registration. You’ll need a Gelli plate (I’ll be working with 8 x 10 inch plates in the workshop), brayers (rollers), paints in your favorite colors and your favorite papers including some translucent papers. Everything beyond that is optional.

 
 

COURSE OUTLINE

The workshop is divided into 22 bite-sized lessons across 8 modules, designed to be re-watched over and over. There are 3 hours of instruction. The longest lesson is 22 minutes. The shortest is under five minutes. There is also a 25 page PDF with supporting class notes and clickable links to all materials.

WELCOME & ORIENTATION

  • New Eyes and Old Loves

  • Materials and Mindset

BASICS & TROUBLESHOOTING

  • Basics of Gelli Printing

  • Gelli Plate Cleaning

  • Common Pitfalls & Solutions

GARDEN INSPIRATION

  • Garden Walkthrough

  • Ikebana Demo

PLAY

  • How Not to Play - A Cautionary Tale

  • Leaning Into Your Favorite Things

  • Honing Your Visual Vocabulary

  • 3D Technique

  • Humble Materials, Powerful Results

VALUES

  • Strong Value Differences

  • Closer Values & Improv

LAYERS & EDGES

  • Thinking About History

  • Working with Fragile Layers

  • Dancing Between Layers

PULLING IT ALL TOGETHER

WRAP UP & WHAT’S NEXT

BONUSES

  • Rachel’s Curated List for Ongoing Learning

  • A Painting from Start to Finish

 

HI, I’M RACHEL

With 30 years of Japanese flower arranging experience, I bring a fresh perspective to Botanical Gelli printing. My enthusiastic and generous teaching approach ensures you feel supported and inspired throughout your creative journey.

As a mixed media artist in the San Francisco Bay Area, my studio at ICB ART in Sausalito is where I explore Asian-inspired abstraction and expressive portraiture. I thrive on experimenting with various mediums, keeping joy the heart of my practice, and helping you discover that joy too.

My artwork is featured in collections across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Australia, and has been recognized in multiple museum and international shows. As a retired psychologist, I’m passionate about helping artists overcome creative blocks, empowering you to dive deeply and joyfully into your creativity.

 
 
 

WHAT STUDENTS HAVE TO SAY:

Hundreds of students have tapped into artistic freedom in my live workshops. Many have returned again and again, bringing their mothers, daughters, and friends along for a dose of creative magic. Here’s what they have
to say:

Quinn Madison

"Rachel is an amazing teacher. Her eye for composition and color, her philosophy about art making, her techniques, and the way she weaves together the natural world and the world of mixed media -- all are next-level. Her workshops always make me feel really happy. And I have learned so, so much.”

Bibby Gignilliat

"Rachel’s intuitive approach to art making is inspiring. With years of experience in gel plate printing, she brings infectious enthusiasm and a wealth of knowledge to the table. Her exuberance shines through in everything she does. Don’t miss the opportunity to benefit from her expertise."

Kristine Gallo

”I traveled across the country to take a one day workshop with Rachel and it was well worth the trip! She is a generous, passionate teacher who clearly demonstrates all of the techniques that light up her own work. She creates the ideal environment for learning, pushing past fears and being inspired by the beauty of the natural surroundings.”

 

RAVE REVIEWS COMING IN FOR
ONLINE BOTANICAL GELLI WORKSHOP

Just WOW! Loved, loved, loved your workshop. The pace is fabulous. Your articulation is spot on, inspiring, clear and confident. You are a true meant-to-be teacher/presenter. Few online courses offer course notes. These are essential to rounding out a complete, in-depth offering. Yous have done so with remarkable skill. It’s my privilege to learn from you .
- Libby Skamfer

Rachel’s workshop is going to be a huge gift to everyone who purchases it. Her magical approach in merging printmaking and collage has inspired me to explore deeper artistic realms and has had a profound effect on my process.  She has tremendous expertise, combined with a warm and encouraging teaching style. She introduces innovative techniques while constantly encouraging us to stay true to our own creative voice. Whether you're an experienced artist or just starting out, I highly recommend her course. It will not only enhance your artistic skills but also help you reconnect with your unique creativity.
- Margie Woods

I’ve been waiting for this course with great anticipation. Now that it’s finally available, I’m entralled by Rachel’s natural, engaging way of leading us through the process. I feel as if I’m right across the table being encouraged by her, not across the pond in the UK! My mind is buzzing with ideas for exploring and making prints with all sorts of materials, not just botanicals, and with how I can combine them together.
- Anne Armes

 
 

FAQS:

  • Gelli printing is a form of printmaking using a gelatin-like plate to create beautiful, layered prints. Yes, you will need a Gelli plate. I will be working with 8 x 10 inch Gelli plates during the class. The techniques I’ll be sharing can be used on any sized plate.

    While there are recipes online for making your own Gelli plate, I have never used them and will not be covering those recipes in this workshop.

  • No prior experience is necessary. The course is designed for both beginners and experienced artists.

  • You’ll have access to all the lessons as long as I’m an artist. Hopefully a very long time!

  • The course is self-paced. You can revisit the lessons as many times as you need.

  • A detailed materials PDF with links to all materials, the necessary and the optional, will be provided upon registration. You’ll need a Gelli plate (I’ll be working with 8 x 10 inch plates in the workshop), brayers (rollers), paints in your favorite colors and your favorite papers including some translucent papers. Everything beyond that is optional.

  • Early bird pricing is $95 during the first month it’s released. The regular cost of the course is $130.

  • There are 3 hours worth of lessons overall divided into 8 modules and 22 lessons. The longest lesson is 22 minutes long and the shortest is two minutes. While the course could be completed in about 8 to 10 hours if you worked along with me, I’d recommend taking your time, and pacing yourself to get the most out of it.

  • You’ll have instant access to all lessons. You can binge watch (sometimes people find this helpful to get an overview) or take your time. People often find it helpful to repeat particular lessons. It can be a lot to take in at once.

  • The course is pre-recorded and is hosted online on the Thinkific course platform. Those who sign up will get an individual private account and password to access the course.

    There are eight video modules consisting of 22 lessons. 3 hours of lessons in all. The longest lesson is 22 minutes, The shortest, under five minutes. There are lesson notes following each lesson and also a PDF which includes all the lesson notes plus additional information and links to all necessary and optional materials.

    As long as you have high speed internet, you can watch the videos whenever and wherever you want, as many times as you want. Binge them all at once or revisit particular lessons over and over - your choice.

  • You do not. The course can be accessed on any internet browser.

  • Here’s where you can check the price of the course in any currency.

  • Yes, you will need a good internet connection to view the course content.

  • The course content is for you only. I’m sure once you see the course, you’ll appreciate how much time and energy went into preparing it. The content is copyright Rachel Davis. You are more than welcome to share the work you do in this class on social media and if you do - I request that you mention me @racheldavisart.bayarea

  • I don’t offer refunds. On occasion I offer sales. During the first month the course is available it will cost $95 - going up to the regular price of $130 after that.