Reductive Monotype by Felix Plaza

A monotype is a one of a kind print where none or the image is from a repeatable plate. A Monoprint is an image composed of a monotype and some other form of printmaking plate resulting in a variable edition.

Monotypes may be somewhat misleading because 2nd or 3rd images can often be pulled, called “ghosts”, “cognates” or “second pulls”. They are less intense than the original and tend to be more subtle than the first pull.

Akua-Kolor and Akua Intaglio water-based inks stay wet on the monotype plate for a very long time, allowing many hours to create an image. They can be printed on dry paper, which results in more brilliant colors and sharper images.

Monotype Methods

Additive monotype: Created by painting or drawing directly on the plate. The ink is applied with a brush, or any other tool.

Subtractive Monotype: Entails rolling up the plate with ink first. Then the image is wiped out with a variety of tools such as rags. (Also known as the reductive method, or dark field monotype).

Trace Monotype: A direct-drawing printmaking technique. (Also known as transfer drawing).

Viscosity Monotype: A monotype made with two or more inks with different viscosities, thick and thin, which resist one another when rolled onto the plate.

Clay Monotype: Made from a slab of clay.