Monotyping is a form of printmaking made by drawing or painting on a smooth, non-absorbent surface. The image is then transferred onto piece of paper by pressing the two together.

Step One: Prepare your space Step One: Prepare your space! Register your printing plate, printing paper, and “catch all” paper. Have materials ready! Materials: Acrylic Brushes Water Gel medium Retarder Printing paper Water spray bottle Registration paper Printing Plate Barren Brayer Under-drawing

Step Two: If using an under-drawing be certain to line up with the plate for guidance in your painting. Use Gel Medium to prep your plate. Combine paint with Retarder and Gel Medium to extend the life of your paint. (Note that too much Gel Medium will make your Acrylic transparent.) Paint rapidly!

Step Three: Tidy up your printing space when painting is complete. Write your name and the number of the print order lightly with pencil in the lower right hand corner on the back. Lightly mist your paper with water to dissuade bonding to the plate as well.

Step Four: Use your registration sheet to align your printing paper with the plate.

Step Five: Use hands and tools to temporarily seal the paper with the plate. Be careful not to shift the two.

Step Six: Use the Brayer, Barren, Rolling Pin, Hands, Spoons, Printing Press, etc. to transfer the print to the paper. Brayer

Barren

Step Seven: Check the transfer by letting your hand support the seal and slowly separate the corners. Reseal if the plate needs to release more paint or ink. Shower Squeegee 

Step Eight: Carefully “pull” the print away from the plate Step Eight: Carefully “pull” the print away from the plate. Have a clean area accessible to lay the print to dry. It may curl from the pulling process.

Don’t forget to plan in reverse! Step Nine: Occasionally the plate will still contain enough paint in order to run another print, called a “Ghost Print”. Be certain to continue to number the prints. Otherwise, wipe down the plate or add more to the existing plate in order to print more!

Areas with Impasto allows for an intriguing “smoosh” effect Areas with Impasto allows for an intriguing “smoosh” effect. However variety in thinner and thicker painted areas is important, so not to overwhelm the viewer.

Monotypes can also be created by inking an entire surface and then, using brushes, rags, or any other absorbent material, removing ink to create a subtractive image.

Layering transparent hues in a Lighter to Darker fashion creates the appearance of mixed colors. Exposure to the last color and multiple pulls from the plate is crucial in creating more depth and colors. The plate and print must be aligned every time.