Monotypes

Monotypes are created from a special type of printing technique that was historically used by artists such as Degas as an under painting or a stand- alone piece of art. The pieces shown here are hand printed (not done by a press) which creates a special textural effect as the ink is hand pressed into the print paper with a flat edged instrument.

The monotypes here were created by covering acetate sheets black printing ink. The white portions of the painting were then removed to create the printing plate. Archival print paper is moistened, the inked side of the “plate” is pressed onto the moist print paper. Only one print can be made – thus it is called a monotype.

A ghost image can also be created with the remaining ink on the plate. These can also be interesting under-paintings. See Aspens below, also Ghost Horse and Spring, all painted on ghost images.