Need to fill a blank wall with exotic prints - that you designed and created, using your favorite color schemes? Try Monoprinting! It is one of the most enjoyable, expressive techniques that is suitable for all levels and requires no drawing or painting experience.  | |
Monoprints created in an abstract style using houshold items
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In essence, monoprinting is a technique whereby a design is painted on or transferred onto a flat non-porous surface such as metal, glass or plexiglass, also known as a "printing plate". Paper is laid on top and after pressing, the image from the plate is transferred onto the paper.
Monoprints are known as the most painterly method among the printmaking techniques; it is essentially a printed painting. The characteristic of this method is that no two prints are alike. The beauty of this medium is also in its spontaneity and its combination of printmaking, painting and drawing media.
The appeal of the monoprint lies in the unique translucency that creates a quality of light very different from a painting on paper or a print, and the beauty of this media is also in its simplicity and the combination of painting and drawing mediums. Monoprints combine the spontaneity of printed inks and texture, creating a surface that is unlike any other art. Many effects can be achieved in monotypes that are just not possible with any other technique.
 | | Monoprints created from photo reference and natural materials |
There are two methods for creating monoprints: manually adding paint or ink (additive method) or removing (subtractive method) the paint or ink from a plate which is then printed by pressing down. Traditionally, artists use a printing press and solvent based inks - but that is no longer a must! Slow drying water-based acrylic paints can now replace toxic inks and imprinting methods no longer require an expensive bulky press.
Warning: monoprinting is addictive! Creating beautiful prints does not require any painting or drawing skill, only a willingness to have fun, be spontaneous and expressive. By using various common household materials to make painterly impressions - such as leaves, lace, netting, natural fibers, embossed designs, low relief textures, you can quickly and easily create the most exotic, lovely prints. They always have an element of surprise - you never know exactly what image is going to emerge till you lift up the paper and see! It is fun, easy and suitable for any level.
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