monotype print

Stencils are not just for printmakers. Actually they are a great way to get into printmaking.

Stencils can be used by:

• Fiber artists who want to create patterns or designs on fabric
• Book artists who make decorative pages
• Mixed media artists to create layers and focus
• Card makers to create unique images
• Teachers and homeschoolers who want to empower kids to make marks

The main idea behind stencil creation is to control the transfer of ink or paint to create a bold image. Images are generally simplified into shapes and shadows.

One way to approach stencil making is to create and use simple stencils first. And then create more complex images as skills develop.

Check out the current workshop listings.

I am still playing with the cityscape idea.

Stencils – simple printmaking tools

I turned to some easy printmaking tools – stencils and the glycerin and gelatin plate.

I cut many masking stencils from a photocopy of the cityscape drawing, that I did a few days ago.

I carefully cut them with a sharp craft knife, and then coated them with many thing layers of mat medium. It is tedious, but I do it this way because the plain paper easy to cut,and then  becomes durable after I coat both sides several times with medium.

I found that I needed to simplify the landscape to create a pleasing print. I experimented with using 4 or 5 stencils and then found that I liked using just 3.

I think that the complex texture creates the need for fewer shapes. I liked this experiment because I printed the subject matter with several different printmaking tools.

1. Pencil drawing and photo copy
2. Inverted photocopy
3. Trace monotype print
4. Relief block print
5. Gelatin plate monotype print

Each style of printing creates a different feel or expression of the same subject matter. The artist can choose the most appropriate printmaking tool for the desired result.

Use your drawings to create printing plates.

If you have been following me for a while, then you know I don’t love to draw. So I find ways to “maximize” my drawings. That means that I take a drawing and turn it into a printing matrix.

The drawing might become:

• a trace monoprint
• a relief block
• a foam plate
• a thermofax screen or
• a stencil for making monotypes

If you are like me and love to make stuff, but would rather play with ink, layer, and texture than do drawings then check out the current online printmaking classes.

I did a city scape inspired by the roof tops in my town. There was no exciting skyline, so I just did some sketches of the details that I was attracted to.

Then I combined the different sketches into a skyline. I think I have enough sketches to last me quite a while. I could not fit them all into one drawing.

I used my printer to make a few copies. I also printed a mirror image and an inverted image. These types of copies help when designing relief blocks and trace monoprints.

I will do some more experimenting with these relief stamps, but I do like how they capture the feel of the old mill town that I live in.

The trace monoprint above was done pretty quickly, so the ink would not dry. I may add some collage to the bottom of the buildings.

I was pleased with this ghost impression of the print above. I used a heavy weight printmaking paper, soaked and blotted it. Then laid it on top of the left over ink and burnished with an old door knob. Because I am working with water based inks, this does not always work. Today I was lucky.

I used tea bags to create a collage and then did the trace monoprint. I like the idea. I just think the tea bags are a little to dark and over powering. I will try something else to create a background next time.

So check out the details of the SEE draw and print, online printmaking workshop. It may be just what you need to give your drawing and printmaking a boost.

Thermofax machines were used to make copies in the 1990’s I think. Now they are treasures to mixed media artists, printmakers and tattoo artists.

These big bulky machines can makes screens for printing in a matter of seconds. All you do is place a carbon based copy against the emulation coated screen and run it through the machine. Watch the video.

You can buy these machines and the emulsion coated screens from Welsh Products. I got my machine from them a few years ago.

Or I do offer a starter kit of 8 screens. It is a nice way to get started, and to see if you actually like and would use the process in your art making.

For example, I added the spirograph flower design to this gelatin monotype with a thermofax screen from the starter kit.

I used 4 of the screens in the kit to print this overall random pattern on this fabric, then sewed it into a bag.

I used the dragonfly screen to make a series of cards. So I am sure that you could create some beautiful images with the 8 designs that come with the thermofax starter kit.

This Kit is no longer available.