Tutorial: Monotype Printmaking
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Monotype printmaking is a unique image-making technique where you create a composition on a glass plate, acrylic sheet (plexiglass), or Gelli Plate. By placing art paper over the composition and “pulling” the print, you achieve a one-of-a-kind work of art.
After pulling a print, I enjoy adding texture and embellishments with additional line work using black micron pens, gold gel pens, paint pens, and even graphite.
Check out my latest video tutorial on Monotype Printmaking with Watercolor Paints on my YouTube channel, and find written directions below!
While there are various paints and inks suitable for this technique, my tutorial will specifically show you how to create monotype prints using watercolor paints.
Essential Tools:
- Watercolor tube paints - in a variety of colors and any brand is fine (here are some of my favorite brands: Windsor Newton, Holbein, Daniel Smith)
- Paint tray - I love using this ceramic tray palette
- Pencil
- Copy paper
- Paintbrush - here are a suggested brand
- Printmaking paper such as this brand by Speedball, but any printmaking paper is fine.
- Acrylic sheet (plexiglass)
- Water containers
- Micron pens
- Gold Gel pens or paint pens
- Washi tape
- Dawn dishwashing liquid
- Gather inspiration and draw your design or composition on copy paper using a pencil.
- Place the pencil drawn design under the acrylic sheet and secure it in place with washi tape. Tip: Just tape the design to the acrylic sheet and not to the table!
- Add a light coat of Dawn dishwashing liquid - use a paper towel to spread it across the acrylic sheet. Adding Dawn allows the watercolor paint to stick better to the acrylic sheet. Let it dry.
- Now the fun begins - start painting your design on the acrylic sheet as if you would on paper. Let it dry.
- Cut down the printmaking paper to be the same size as your acrylic sheet.
- Submerge the printmaking paper in a pan of cold water for a few seconds.
- Transfer the paper to a layer of paper towel and blot the excess water. The paper should be slightly damp but not overly wet.
- Place the damp paper on the painted acrylic sheet. Press down firmly, rub in circular motion, but don’t go back and forth. Use the back of a spoon, if needed.
- Do a peek test by lifting the corner of the paper to see if the design has transferred. If all looks good, pull the print. Let it dry.
- Embellish the print with linework using micron pens, gold gel pens, paint pens and even graphite.
