Trace Monotypes
general journal junk
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idealog
- Place a graphite-covered piece of paper face down on the surface you want to create your art on - charcoal-covered works also.
- Try not to press on it until you're ready to draw.
- Choose an image and place it picture up on top of that graphite-covered sheet.
- You can also freehand a picture.
- Using a pencil or other other tool, press hard enough to trace all or parts of the image.
- After you're done your tracing, you can choose to colour the tracing you made, doodle into it, add some text, etc.
Part of the beauty of this technique is the noise' - the transfer that happens from accidentally touching, from simple paper contact, etc. Sometimes the most enjoyable art-making comes from the 'accidents' and things you can't control.
Another way to do it is to:
- Roll a thin layer of ink (or other paint that does not dry quickly) on a smooth, non-porous surface - a piece of plexiglass, metal (such as a cookie sheet), or glass (such as a cutting board).
- Place a sheet of paper on top of the inked surface.
- Try not to unnecessarily touch or press on your paper.
- Using a pencil, pen, or other appropriate tool to trace your design onto the paper.
- Carefully lift the paper off the inked surface to reveal your print.
- Bear in mind that this method will give you an image in reverse.
You can also add colour by:
- Roll a layer of each colour of ink (or paint) on a separate piece of plexiglass, or glass, or etc.
- Move your drawing from one inked plate to the text, tracing the parts of the design you want in that colour.
Trace monotype with found objects, stencils, masks:
- Ink your plate and place your paper.
- Arrange found objects/stencils, such as leaves, flowers, other pieces of fabric, etc., on top of the paper.
- Use a roller to press the found objects into the paper.
- With stencils and masks, trace around the desired parts with a pencil or other appropriate tool.
- Lift the paper off the inked surface to reveal your print.
Trace monotype with resists:
- Ink your plate.
- Using a resist medium - wax crayon, masking fluid, etc. - draw on the paper.
- Place that marked paper face down on your inked surface.
- Use a roller to press the paper onto the inked surface.
Notes:
- Play with colour blending by mixing and blending directly on the surface, which can be done by overlapping or slightly blending different colours before transferring them onto the paper.
- Use layering of different images or designs.
- Add texture with bubble wrap, fabrics, lace, or tools like combs and toothpicks.
- Try different amounts of pressure while tracing to create different line types and marks.
- When the print is complete, add to it with drawing, painting, or mixed media techniques, to add details, highlights, or alterations.
- Combine this with other techniques like etching, lithography, or screen printing.
- Combine your print with other mediums and techniques such as collage, found objects, or mixed media.
- Make prints inspired by the seasons, using elements and colours associated with each.
- Experiment with different papers and other materials to create different textures.
- Work with others by passing prints around, and each adding layers and other elements.
- Track your work and ideas in a journal or sketchbook, keeping track of the materials and techniques used, and observations.
- Once the piece is complete and dry, apply a fixative, sealant, or varnish to protect it.
- This process can be unpredictable, but some of the best results come from the unexpected.