One way to get the most from your drawing efforts is to use a drawing or sketch that you like is to make a matrix for printing.
A matrix could be:
- a screen for screen printing
- a carved block for relief printing
- a stencil for gelatin printmaking
- a guide for trace monoprinting
Not all drawings will be good for every different type of matrix. For example if your drawing is a shapely silhouette, then that would be great for making a stencil for gelatin printmaking.
If you have a very delicate or detailed drawing then maybe and emulsion style screen print would be the best choice.
The style of drawing that works best for trace monoprinting is bold and expressive line drawings. The lines cannot be too delicate or too close together. Solid shapes should be avoided as well.
The fuzzy black line and the random plate ink is characteristic of a trace monoprint. Check out my gallery of trace monoprints.
A couple of famous artists who used trace monoprinting (ink transfer drawing) are:
- Paul Klee – info and some images
- Paul Gauguin – info from MOMA
I love the experimental nature of the process combined with a predictable line drawing. I also love to try to come up with new ways to make lines and marks.
This is a trace monoprint that I did on rusted paper. The circles were made by pressing down on the paper with a large jar cover.
If you are interested in drawing and turning some of those drawings into trace monoprints, then join us in the online class, Draw into Print.
Read the details on the printmaking workshop page. It is a short 3 day class to get you drawing and printing right away.
From left to right, a trace monoprint, colored with watercolors, top, black line trace monoprint, bottom, 4″ x 6″ original sketch and far right, enlarged and reversed copy used as a matrix. Hope you find this interesting and join us in class.