robert farber
FA 208 Printmaking I
Printmaking: Introduction
Monotypes/Monoprints: Definitions
Monoprint: a monoprint is a form of printing whereby an image is transferred from one surface to another. Typically this involves the transfer of ink, oil paints or water base materials onto a dampened piece of acid free printmaking paper. The transfer of the image to the paper can be achieved by hand rubbing or by printing press. Monoprinting is also regularly used in conjunction with traditional printmaking processes that can be editioned. (I.e. intaglio or lithography.)
Monotype: a monotype also involves the transfer of an image from one surface to another,
however the resulting image is a unique, one-of-a-kind image. No part of the image can be
reproduced or editiolled. These two processes are often referred to as synonymous printmaking
techniques-they are not.
Recommended Reading: pp. 348-349; Printmaking:Hjstory and Process, Donald Saff/Deli Sacllotto, 1978 by Holt, Rinehart and Winston inc. ISBN-O-03-085663-9
History/Context: Seventeenth century Italian artists are credited with being the first to use
Monotypeslmonoprints. Monoprinting was also popular during the nineteenth and twentieth
centuries. Twentieth century artists expanded the rangeand scope of monoprinting as it began to
gain critical acceptance as a legitimate means of visual expression. Today contemporary artists regularly produce images that employ monoprinting techniques. Frequently monoprinting techniques are used in conjunction with more traditional printmaking drawing and painting processes.
Materials:
Printing Matrices: Aluminum, Zinc, Copper, Steel. Plexiglass or Mylar plates.
Oil Paints
Oil base Printmaking Inks
Linseed Oil or Burnt Plate Oil #3
Brushes
Rags
Watercolors
Watercolor pencils
Experimental Materials
Process:
By using a variety of drawing and painting techniques create an image on a printing
matrix (plate) using either oil base or water base materials. Do not combine the two different
materials. Water and oil do not mix. Remember, this process requires a lot of experimentation.
The success rate for making mono-types may be as low as 40%. Enjoy the process and work as
rapidly as possible.
Oil base Paint/Inks: When using oil base materials make sure that the material(s) are applied
in a very thin manner. Too much paintlink will cause running and blurring of the image.
Water Base Materials: When using water base materials remember to let the watercolors dry
before attempting to print. Make sure that your printmaking paper is sufficiently dampened. You
will need to experiment with various watercolor brands. Not all colors transfer and not all colors
transfer as well as they look on the plate when you painted it
Paper Selection: select an acid free printmaking paper that is designed for etching. Select and inexpensive paper at first untit you become competent in creating the type of image youdesire. Then upgrade to a better quality print paper. (i.e. Rives BFK, Arches or Lana)
Paper soaking: To prepare your paper for printing it only needs to be soaked in the soaking tray
for a few minutes just prior to actually printing. Do not over dampen the paper. When using
water base materials let the paper soak a few extra miriutes. This will improve the quality transfer
of materials to the paper.
Printing Pressure: Make sure that the printing pressure is set. to a minimum. Too much pressure will also blur the image and cause the ink/paint to run. Always protect the blankets by inserting a piece of newsprint on top of your print paper. This will act as a barrier and protect the blankets from excess ink transferring onto them.
Artists:
Elizabeth Murray
Nathan Oliveira
Terry Winters
Wayne Thiebaud
Jennifer Bartlett
SueCoe
Susan Rothenberg
David Hockney
Robert Rauschenberg
JimDine
Robert Arneson
Degas
Gauguin
Mary Cassatt