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)