Monotype versus Monoprint
"Monotype” and “Monoprint” are sometimes used interchangeably but there is a big difference between the two. A monoprint is usually a variation on a series, as there is a pattern or image on the painting surface that can be printed multiple times over, in a variety of ways. A monotype is considered one-of-a-kind and does not employ repeatable elements.
Throughout history, painters have often used monotypes in their preparatory sketches. Like painting, monotype is very direct and can be spontaneous or deliberate. The immediacy and range of mark values work well with the luminosity that printmaking inks and procedures offer. Some of the earlier known monotypes were made by the Italian artist Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione who used a subtractive technique to create effects similar to chiaroscuro. Rembrandt used monotype to record an idea as soon as it struck him. Mary Cassatt, Edgar Degas and Henri Matisse are all great examples of artists expanding and experimenting with monotype techniques.
Methods
List of Monotype Techniques
1. Additive Techniques
• Brushwork: Painting directly onto the plate.
• Sponging: Soft, textured applications with sponges.
• Rolling: Using brayers for even layers.
• Drawing: Tools like sticks or fingers for freehand designs.
• Trace Monotypes: Placing paper over an inked surface and drawing on the back to transfer ink where pressure is applied.
2. Subtractive Techniques
• Wiping: Removing ink with rags for highlights.
• Scraping: Carving fine lines or textures in wet ink.
• Masking: Using cutouts or stencils to block ink, creating negative space.
• Dark Field or “Manière Noire”: Starting with a fully inked plate and removing ink to expose lighter areas.
3. Pressure Printing (Stratography)
• Applying varying pressure to the paper against an inked plate to create gradients or textured effects.
4. Transfer Techniques
• Ghost Prints: Reprinting residual ink for a faded effect.
• Direct Transfer: Pressing objects like fabric or leaves into the ink.
• Dendritic Printing: Creating organic, branching patterns by pressing glass or another smooth surface against ink, then separating it to form dendritic shapes before transferring to paper.
5. Experimental Techniques
• Blending: Using brushes or fingers to blend colors on the plate.
• Overprinting: Layering multiple passes with different colors or techniques.
• Stencil Layers: Adding shapes through multiple stencil passes.
List of Monoprint-Friendly Techniques
1. Relief Techniques
• Linocut/Woodcut: Adding variation to repeated prints with manual inking or layering.
• Collagraph: Textured plates that can be inked and wiped differently for unique impressions.
• Embossing: Using materials to create physical textures during printing.
2. Planographic Techniques
• Pressure Printing (Stratography): Creating dynamic textures with varied plate pressure.
• Masking: Overlaying or subtracting elements to create unique effects with repeatable bases.
3. Direct & Hybrid Methods
• Trace Monotypes: Drawing directly on the paper over an inked plate to create partial impressions.
• Chine Collé: Combining textures and color through layered papers.
• Hand Coloring: Embellishing with additional mediums post-printing.
• Dendritic Impressions: Using the unique patterns formed during dendritic processes as part of a repeatable design element.
