The Process

Sunday 23 March 2008 at 06:53 am What is a Monotype Print?

A monotype is a single original print created by transferring to paper an image that has been painted on another surface. It is a process that results in textures and surface effects you cannot get in any other way.

History

The earliest known monotypes were made by Italian printmaker Giovanni Benedito Castiglione around 1640. Rembrandt was also experimenting with various printing techniques around the same time, which goes to show great minds think alike.

In the 1800s we had Edgar Degas who did those fabulous pastel drawings on the prints made from the ghost images left on his printing plates.

Paul Gaugin moved from traditional oil printmaking to water based mediums for his monotypes.

This very versatile printmaking process continued through the 20th century being used by such great artists as Picasso and Matisse. (more)

Meet The Artist

Sunday 23 March 2008 at 06:51 am You can't help but smile when faced with the playful portrait paintings of Ruth Boissoin. Not laugh, for that would imply there is something cartoonish and mocking about the portraits Boissoin creates. But simply smile.

"My work is a celebration of like-minded, charmed, comfortable people; the pursuit is simple, the technique is not. I call them paintings but in essence they are original monotype prints, enhanced with various media. I was a collage artist from a very young age and printmaking has enabled me to explore collage in very unique and unusual ways. I studied collograph printmaking with master printmaker and painter Hubert Haisoch of Guelph. From there it was a natural step to try monotype prints. I fell in love! For portrait work and my personality, it was a match made in heaven." (more)