Monoprinting in "Lockdown" (1)

Monoprinting in "Lockdown" (1)

Introduction

Since 23rd March, 2020 the UK has been in "lockdown" due to the pandemic caused by the Corona Virus. The population was ordered to stay at home, protect the NHS and save lives. Our everyday lives came to a grinding halt.

During this period I have been experimenting with monoprinting, due to the fact that such prints can be made without the use of specialist printing equipment such as acids, an aquatint box or a press (which would be found in a printing workshop). This means that monoprinting can be done at home using everyday equipment. Only one print is produced during this process - hence the name "mono".
There are a number of different ways to create a monoprint and I have explored a few of them.

Monoprint with Water Colour

This method involves painting a water colour picture onto a piece of glass or Perspex. A piece of paper is then placed over the top to create the print, as follows:

- use an acrylic sheet or piece of glass
- the surface should be scratched slightly with sand paper to create a "key"
- a light layer of soap or washing up liquid can be smeared across the surface to help lift the icture
- paint a water colour image onto the glass or Perspex
- reverse the image if required
- soak printing paper to re-activate the water colour
- thin paper works best
- it does not matter if the [paint dries
- take the surface water off the paper
- place the damp paper over the water colour painting
- use a roller, spoon or baren and press on the back of the paper evenly
- remove paper to reveal print.

 

Process - Water Colour Monoprint

 

Monoprint using transfer technique

 

 

Monoprint using transfer process

 

- use a plate such as zinc

- use etching/intaglio ink (probably can use relief ink or oil paint)

- Create a thin, even film of ink using a roller on the plate

- mark the plate on a piece of background paper (to register the image)

- place the printing paper on top

- draw with pencil

- can add tone with soft tool or finger

- roll with roller

- lift off

- can them clean the plate, add second colour to cover cleaned plate

- place first image back on top of second colour on plate (register image)

- draw and add tone as before

- roll with roller and lift off

 

 Note: a further image may be obtained by placing a new piece of paper on top of the inked plate and roll with roller or use spoon/baren to obtain surface image left behind on the plate.

 

 

Monoprint transfer process

 

Whilst experiment with this process I discovered that Paul Gaugin had originated the technique. I then researched this element of his work -  which forms a separate entry in this blog.

 

Summary

 

I discovered that using these simple processes it is possible to obtain an interesting and unique image. The monoprints have a specific charm and I intend to work on building some of these processes into my practice. In this way I will be able to make my work more unique.