Watercolor Monotypes
with Monica Moody
The terms “monotype” and “monoprint” are often used interchangeably, but they technically refer to different techniques.
A monotype is a unique print made from a plate with no permanent marks. Once the image is transferred to paper, there is nothing left on the plate to re-print from.
A monoprint is a single impression of an image made from a re-printable plate. This plate will have some sort of permanent marks that repeat each time a print is pulled. Re-using the plate can create multiple variations and assorted colors.
If there is one thing monotypes and monoprints have in common above all, it is providing the opportunity for the artist to work spontaneously and combine techniques: drawing, painting, and printmaking are incorporated to create these distinctive works.
Materials
• Yupo® synthetic paper (74lb, 100lb, or 144lb)
• Liquid watercolors
• Acetate, glass, or other non-absorbent surfaces
• Paintbrushes, color shapers, and other tools for making marks and texture
• Water
• Freezer paper or other protective cover for your work surface
• Paper towels
• Finishing spray
NOTES:
• Each technique in this section is demonstrated on 144lb Yupo® (original) synthetic paper.
• Liquid watercolors are very concentrated. You only need a drop or two on a palette or plate. A little goes a long way, especially when adding water to the paint.
Basics
Watercolor monotypes can be done with one color and minimal supplies. The materials used in the examples below are liquid black watercolor, water, tools for making marks and adding implied texture, a small brayer, a paintbrush, and a palette knife.
Use objects to create shapes. In this example, the lid from a small spray bottle was used to make circles.
For lighter areas, use a very diluted mix of paint and water to create washes.
For darker areas, use a palette knife or drip paint onto the plate and allow water to move.
Using Acetate
Traditionally, monotypes are created by drawing or painting on a glass or metal plate and transferring the image, usually after the media has dried, via hand or printing press to an absorbent surface like watercolor or printmaking paper (which is usually soaked in water before pulling the print). The use of non-porous substrates offers a modified approach for both the plate and the receiving paper. Acetate is a relatively inexpensive and easy-to-find substrate that can be used for simple monotype printmaking.
Step One Apply watercolor (and water) to the acetate.
Step Two Place Yupo® on top of the acetate plate and press gently with your hands.
Step Three Remove the Yupo by lifting up from one corner to reveal the print beneath.
Step Four Add more paint or details as desired.
Another fun experiment: Fold the acetate while the media is still wet (or add more paint), and create a mirror image of your plate.
Step One Fold the acetate in half.
Step Two Unfold the acetate plate.
Step Three Place Yupo® on top of the mirror image and press gently.
Step Four The pulled print. Add more paint or details as desired.
Using Yupo®
Can you use the same material as both plate and paper for printing a monotype? With Yupo synthetic paper, you can! The two projects below use synthetic paper as both the plate and the print. Add additional paint and embellishments for a more finished look.
Step One Add watercolor to the Yupo plate.
Step Two Place a clean sheet of Yupo on top of the plate and press gently.
Step Three Pull the print, and add more paint or details as desired.
Step One Apply watercolor to the synthetic paper.
Step Two Place a clean sheet of Yupo on top of the plate and press gently.
Step Three Pull the print, and add more paint with a palette knife.
Finished piece after embellishing. (For embellishing tips, see here.)
Embellishing
Two of the most enjoyable aspects of creating watercolor monotypes are the spontaneity of the process and the unanticipated surprise of the results. The monotype can be further developed with embellishments, used as a background or mixed with other media to create another piece entirely. The direction you take is up to you. Experiment and have fun!
Step One Begin with a Yupo monotype pulled from a Yupo plate.
Step Two Add more paint with a palette knife.
Step Three Drop watercolor paints onto the monoprint.
Step Four Use a shaping tool or an old plastic gift card in a circular motion to expand the watercolor drops.
