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About the Monotype
technique
Because
monotype printing allows considerable freedom in the approach to
imagery, it is probably the most versatile of the printing processes.
The artist can decide to work in positive or in negative, to use water
based or oil based inks, introduce other materials and use the same
plate many times.
To make a monoprint or a monotype one needs plate, paper, ink and a
printers press. Plates can be of any type (as long as they are non
porous), such as Plexiglas or thin sheets of metal (copper or zinc).
Working in positive
Painting directly onto the plate with etching or lithography inks.
Depending on the effect desired a variety of tools for painting the
image are used; brushes, fingers, sponge, leather, sticks, feathers,
etc.
Applying solvents such as mineral spirits or turpentine to the inked
plate, allows the solvent to dissolve the ink exposing the clean plate
beneath which once printed translates as white.
Working in negative
Working from dark to light by wiping the ink from the plate rather than
adding it. (Bringing out the light)First using an inked roller to roll
out a flat area of colour on the plate, then wiping away the colour with
a rag, brush or cotton swabs and solvent to create lights and tones. The
directness of painting straight on the plate requires a certain level of
drawing skills, as well as a sure hand and a considerable degree of
spontaneity.
Making the print
Once
the image is complete the painted plate is positioned on the press bed;
previously dampened paper is then carefully placed over the plate and
run through the rollers of the press using light to moderate pressure.
The image is transferred from plate to paper.
The monotype technique can be used as a transition aid for other works.
Both Degas and Matisse used it through out their etching studies, also
working on top of their monotype with pastels, pencils, oil paint,
watercolours or printing ink.
Another
method called “direct trace” drawing, produces a linear monotype that
has a unique soft edged quality similar to the tone and line in soft
ground..
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