Loadsa arty stuff, the June McEwan way: How to: Easy Mono Printing

June McEwan 8 Mitchell St Crieff PH7 3AG

www.junemcewan.biz

Mob: 0777 187 5443

HOW-TO : EASY MONO-PRINTING WITHOUT A PRESS

NOTES

Monoprinting is a form of printmaking which is 'one-off'. An repeatable image. An original every time. Experts in the past have argued that due to this originality, monoprinting is not a true form of printmaking. However, now that printmaking has become one of the major art forms in contemporary society, monoprinting is not only accepted as a viable form, it has become the leading light. Monoprinting involves the transfer of ink to paper and the reversal of the original drawing onto paper, (text book printmaking). The form can be created in three basic ways:

1. RANDOM EFFECTS

These are obtained using a mix of solvents, (usually white spirit), and inks on the printing slab, haphazardly swirled together using rags, brushes, sponges and so on, but not drawn images. Paper is laid over and the random pattern blotted onto it.

2. MONOPRINT DRAWINGS

The slab is rolledwith a thin, even coating of ink. Paper is placed over and drawn on using pencil / crayon / needles / whatever. The medium used dictates the marks made. A light drawing can be made on the paper as a guide. Or simply start with an idea in your head.

3. THE TRANSFER METHOD

Similar to the random method, this kind of print is made by blotting your paper over the previously painted slab using ragsor brushes etc. and simply paint a picture using the printing inks. A second print can usually be taken, though it will be fainter than the first. Any kind of paper can be used and different qualities will produce different textures. Dampening the paper can help the receptiveness of the ink, especially with the second 'pull'.

All the above processes are painterly and transfer colour in a unique way, offerring the artist both dramatic and subtle variations in techniques. Monoprinting, having it's own disciplines and challenges, is a very rewarding business, which, unlike other printing methods, can be done at home, without the use of a press.