New Monotypes

"Taken," plate size 6" x 9"

“Awaiting Their Fate," plate size 10" x 8"

"Dairy Cow II," plate size: 28” x  20”

I have been experimenting with monotypes and I find the process pretty addictive. I work on a plate from anywhere between 1 and 3 hours (depending on the size of the plate) and I get a unique print with qualities that I can't achieve any other way. Also, it's a such an enjoyable way to draw. I use mostly the subtractive method, utilizing things like paper towels and cotton swabs to remove ink from the plexiglass plate. This helps yield expressive strokes in the highlighted areas, adds textural qualities in shadowed areas and shows the drawing process with every streak and lightly inked area created with these soft, blunt tools. I can also manipulate the ink on the plate with my fingertips to form the shadowy figures that I tend to include in my compositions.

These monotypes have been a great break from the rigors of the intense and detailed work that goes into my etchings. And the satisfaction of pulling prints so quickly makes this a seductive way to work. I also plan to experiment with monoprints where I hope to combine the expressive effects of monotypes with the fine linear work of etchings. This is a yet another thing about printmaking that is so appealing: one technique leads to another and then to a combination of those processes and on to more discoveries down the road. Printmaking never fails to light up my mind with creative possibilities.