Trace Monotype

Jennifer Schmitt, 2008


First:

Some "vocabulary" type words will be linked to definitions. These are words that could help you better communicate your print ideas.

Second:

What's the difference between a "monotype" and a "monoprint"?

From Print Europe:

"Although monotypes and monoprints involve distinctly different processes, the two terms are often used erroneously as synonyms, or are mistakenly used for each other.

A monotype is a single print pulled from a glass or metal plate on which ink or paint has been applied. The image can be transferred to paper by hand rubbing or with a press. A monotype remains one of a kind because it contains no repeatable matrix in the image from which a perfect second impression can be made.

A monoprint begins with a repeatable matrix in the image, such as an etched plate, which could, if desired, be editioned to produce a series of like impressions. What gives the monoprint its singularity is the process of subsequent hand colouring or doctoring to make it uniquely different or a one of a kind print. A series of monoprints - all derived from the same plate, but then individually hand manipulated - is often called a unique edition and is signed and numbered accordingly."


Paul Klee's Trance Monotypes or "Transfer Drawings"

Here's a slight variation of the trace monotype technique you learned in class as used by Paul Klee.

How's your French?



Klee had made his own simple tracing paper so he would be able to multiply his drawings or transfer them to other papers.

He simply coated a sheet of paper with a thin layer of oil color. You can use greaseproof baking paper or transparent paper. He'd then place the oiled paper on top of a textured water color paper.

Klee would then draw directly on the tracing paper or on a thin paper which is placed as third layer on top. Thus the tracing paper could be used several times as the drawing with the stylus is visible only on the top layer (for example newsprint) and as trace on the lowest layer.

Klee would then often embellish these prints with watercolor and gauche.











For our next class you will need to purchase and bring:
• 1 sheet, 1/8" thick, 16x20” (or larger) acrylic sheeting (like Plexiglas)
• Drawing paper. A pad will work well. Thick or thin, maybe both.

For more info on trace monotypes:

Akua water-based inks

Belinda Del Pesco

John Hankiewicz, life drawings

Trace Monotypes from the Complete Printmaker

See you in class,
-Matt