Through the ‘busyness’ of the past month, I have managed some studio time playing with monotypes and monoprints.
For those of you not familiar with this type of work, a monotype is essentially a painting made on any smooth/hard surface that is covered with paper and printed by hand or press to create a singular impression seen in reverse. Monotypes are known for their complete uniqueness!
With a monoprint the image is also created on a plate but the plate can be textured or have elements added to it to create different effects. Monoprints can exhibit a range of variations within a series of prints. The underlying design on the plate will connect the series.
My interest is in the monotype for its expressiveness and surprises … ie somewhat out of my control, which is always a good thing!
These monoprints, using just a turquoise open acrylic were a great exercise and I am thinking I’ll add some more colour with soft pastels …
Any medium can be used to create monotypes but my choice of acrylics brings it’s own challenges. Acrylics are known for their quick drying time, an advantage when creating multiple layers in a painting but an issue for the printing part of the process!
Mediums which keep the paint wet/open are part of the answer but there are also a range of other variables that affect the print … ie the amount and type of medium, thickness of paint, type of paper, brush or other tools used, even weather conditions can play a part! So lots to learn and discover …
These monotypes were created using acrylic open mediums (thick and thin versions) … trying to get the balance right and test out different ways of applying the paint ….
Like drawing, these monoprints and monotypes are great ways to explore a subject or idea as part of the development of new paintings or a new series …. as well as being artworks in their own right.
Look out for more of this style of work going forward ... I think I'm hooked!
Thank you for taking the time to read … your interest and support is greatly appreciated!
Till next time .... CC
Always
PS The drawing class I attend each week is having an exhibition at the Shoalhaven Regional Gallery from 10 -24 November (our almost annual exhibition) ... if you are in the vicinity please drop in and have a look ... lots of amazing drawing and colour this year!