Q&A ~ What is the difference between a monotype and a monoprint?

Please help! I have a printmaking final tomorrow.

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One thought on “Q&A ~ What is the difference between a monotype and a monoprint?

  1. Actually there is no difference between monotype and monoprint. Monoprint is the more common name given to a printmaking technique that produces a one of a kind image using printmaking equipment and techniques.

    Essentially a monoprint allows the artist to approach an otherwise process oriented method in a more painterly fashion. She can paint directly onto a sheet of plexiglass or copper with brushes, rollers or stencils, further altering the marks with solvents and texture producing elements. A paper is then laid on top of the whole affair and either rolled through the etching press or burnished in some other fashion. The resulting image is a singular print that can no longer be exactly replicated using the same matrix because any interference on the plate will make the next impression considerably different than the first.

    Therein lies the fun and element of surprise when you first peel back the paper to see what happy accidents have happened to enhance your image. Other approaches include laying paper down on an inked surface and then drawing on the back of the paper to pick up ink according to the pressure of your pencil or stylus. Of course chine collé is also an important element used in making monoprints or monotypes.

    Monotypes can be combined with traditional methods such as lithography, woodcut and intaglio printmaking.

    One of my favourite monoprint artists is Aiko Suzuki.

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