Monotype Printmaking

I am happy, because yesterday I got to spend the day with my friend Shant's printing press once more!!! I just love making monotypes. For those of you who are new to my blog, or don't know about monotypes, I will give you a quick overview. A monotype is essentially a cross between painting and printmaking. Each monotype is a one-of-a-kind original piece of art. The artist will paint on a non-porous surface, like a plexiglass plate. Once the plate looks the way the artist wants it to look, a sheet of dampened paper is placed on top of the plate. Pressure is applied to the paper and plate. (I use a printer's press, which you can see a photo of here.) I am currently using a smaller press than the one in the photo, but it is a similar idea. The pressure of the press causes textures and effects that would be impossible through paint alone. Once the print is dry, it can be reworked with pastel, watercolor or oil paint. I usually use pastel. The plate can be run through the press again, but much less ink will be on the plate, and the second print will be much lighter and very different from the first one. This second print is usually called a "ghost". Because the plate (or matrix) is not carved or etched, there are no editions like there would be with an etching or wood block. The word "mono" means "one".

What I love about monotypes is the spontaneity. It seems to suit my impulsive nature. Here is one of the prints I did yesterday. It is small, measuring only 5 x 7 inches. I titled it "Wheels".


The snow is pretty much completely melted now. Even though it was beautiful, I am not sad that it's gone. I guess maybe I got enough of snow while living in Colorado. I was told that snow is not that uncommon here, but what was unusual was that it lingered for so long. It took almost a week before it melted. I am waiting for my 80 degrees and sunshine to return. It was sunny today, but only reached 52 degrees. I am still wearing two sweaters in the house. I really have become a desert lizard, cold-blooded and in need of a warm rock to sit upon!