Monoprints - combining art and play...

Mary Moore, poppy

Linda Chapeskie, Lily

Alison Cotter, Trees Against the Sky

The top two monoprints above are the result of a single pressing, while the bottom one has some overpainting (the trees) added afterwards.

This week at Cedar Lane Studio the Wednesday evening group enjoyed a relaxing and playful session creating watercolour-based monoprints. A monoprint is a one-off print, since generally the process only allows for one 'take'. Our method used frosted acetate, watercolours and dish detergent. A simple process, you coat the surface of the frosted acetate thinly with detergent - this helps to release the paint when printing. Once that is dry you create a simple watercolour painting, keeping shapes simple and colours vibrant. Pre-soaked pieces (we worked at about 5"x7" sizes) of 140 lb watercolour paper were removed from the tub, and some excess water was patted off between sheets of newsprint. The painted acetate is carefully placed over the paper, then a breyer is used to provide the pressure to make the transfer happen. Peel them apart and voila!

What makes monoprints an exciting is the surprise results of seeing all applied colour come together on the print at once. The first colours applied are the ones at the forefront, and the blends and results are contingent on the wetness of the paper, in particular. Because they are small, you feel no performance pressure. They are just a lot of fun!

A selection of our favourites. There were lost more! Click to see a larger image.