Fun Time With Monotypes

This morning, before starting on any other projects, I cleared the decks in the studio so I could begin experimenting with some new monotypes. This wasn’t an easy task. I had to dig out my plexi plates from the box under the two other boxes, then clear the collage papers off the table. Then I had to dig out my big clamp that I use to hold the plexi plate firmly to the table, which is also used to hold the paper in place as I make successive passes with the printing plate.

All of this process in detail can be found in a previous series of three blog posts. Part One starts here. Important note: When I first wrote this series of posts, I called them monoprints. I realized my mistake later. These should be referred to as monotypes.  Here are the definitions of each:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monoprinting

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monotyping

I originally wanted to try using some heavy paper stencils with these, but it didn’t work out well with the plexi. Or at least it didn’t for me. It seemed too rigid to get a good impression of the stencil shapes, so I ditched that idea and just made freehand strokes with paint on the surface of the plate. The more successive passes with the plate, the richer the image becomes. Although I do have to add that one of them got away from me a little bit, so I just kept adding impressions until it looked OK.

I have been wanting to do gelatin prints, because with gelatin you get a surface that yields to pressure and would make a much nicer impression of stenciled shapes. But after reading about the creation and care of a gelatin plate, I opted for the synthetic version instead. I’ve ordered one 6×6″ Gelli Plate, which should be here any day. I’m excited about trying it!

Most of these experimental prints won’t be something I’ll want to sell or frame, but they can all be used in collage. That pleases me a lot.

I had so much fun. The time flew by, and the 2 hours I had originally blocked out for the printmaking session quickly ran into four. I forgot to eat lunch! But after cleaning up my tools, plates, brayers, and hands, I did finally manage to get a quick bite.

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