The Painterly Print – Gel Plate Monotypes

Monotypes are unique prints made by applying paint or ink to a flat plate and then transferring the image to paper. They are often called the most painterly of prints. Making monotypes gives the artist all of the immediacy and spontaneity of painting plus the thrill of printmaking’s unpredictability. Using a gel plate and water-based paints, workshop participants will explore reductive and additive approaches to making monotypes without a press. We will also cover gel plate preparation, cleaning, and maintenance and approaches to collage using monotypes as collage paper. No previous printmaking experience is necessary. Please note that while there are dozens of approaches to gel plate printmaking—from the use of stencils and masks to the creation of photo image transfers—this workshop will maintain a focus on monotypes as a direct and exciting medium for painters.