my graphic art on Modern Abstract Art online
My way of monotype
The graphic technique I use is called Monotype because there is only one copy per print. I use only black and white copies for my work, which is slightly different than usual in this technique.
I use black and white copies of my photographs as the original for my prints.
I put a glass plate on an even standing table, I apply Gum Arabic to the underside of the copy .
I’m working with, using a sponge. I then apply Gum Arabic to the upper side as well in order to cover all the white bits on the copy.
I’m working with, using a sponge. I then apply Gum Arabic to the upper side as well in order to cover all the white bits on the copy.
I then roll printing ink on to the copy until the black bits on the copy have the colour of the ink I’m using. I then print the copy onto etching paper, using an etching press.
This process has the effect of a rubberstamp print, (a mirror image).
If I don’t want my prints to come out mirrored, (texts, for instance). I mirror the original image.
Because the results of monotype printing are a bit unpredictable, the print may be a little different from the photocopy.
The photocopy can only be used once.
This technique belongs to the planography techniques because there are no higher or lower lying parts of the material after processing. The parts that are printed are on the same level as the parts that are not printed.
In order to practice this technique you’ll need the following materials:
- A sturdy, even work table
- A glass plate
- A pot of fluid Gum Arabic
- A pre-rinsed sponge
- A bottle of salad oil (sunflower?)
- Oil based litho or etching ink
- Ink spatulas
- A few ink rollers
- Cotton cloths ( they may be old ones)
- White etching or lithograph paper
- A bucket of cold water
- Enough black and white photocopies
- Cleaning soap