Category: Printmaking (page 1 of 3)

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This week I made a monotype collage, experimented with masks and with various ways to make interesting textures. I also made a larger flexible membrane plate. My initial setup was made to do 8×10 inch monotypes. My new one can do up to 12×18, which is the largest size I can scan.

I began the week with an idea. I could print multiple monotypes and paste them together to create a larger piece. I could either do this digitally on the computer or I could glue them together in a traditional collage. I decided to try it on the computer first. That way I could experiment with where to make the cuts, but first I had to make multiple monotypes.

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This week I did a monotype using a different paint. It is Holbein Acryla Gouache. I like it better than Golden Open Acrylic. It dries to a nice matte finish and is more opaque.

Strathmore 400 Series Printmaking paper 11×14 inches (27.9×35.6 cm), Holbein Acryla Gouache mixed with Golden Retarder on a Saran Wrap plate. Image is 8×10 inches (20.3×25.4 cm).

I worked in multiple passes. I dried each layer with a hairdryer before printing the next layer. Normally this gouache dries too quickly to use as a printmaking ink. I added some acrylic retarder to slow the dry time so that I could manipulate the paint on the plate.

About half way through I almost quit. The paint was not behaving the way I wanted it to, but I kept at it. I’m glad I did because it turned out better than what I had in mind. Paint is your partner. It will do wonderful things if you let it. Collaboration is better than control.

Jim

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This week I experimented with two new printmaking techniques. The first one used a framed flexible plastic membrane plate setup that I designed and built myself. For the second one I tried using parchment paper as a plate.

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