Monotype print
It took me a while to understand the differences between a monotype and a monoprint. I think this was because the terms are often confused and used interchangeably in some online video demonstrations.
After further research I discovered:-
A monoprint forms part of a series that has some variation in each print but which also has a constant repeated element such as a drypoint or collagraph.
A monotype is a one of a kind, often painterly image, created from a flat sheet of metal, glass or plastic which has had paint or ink applied to it.
I have previously enjoyed creating handprinted monotypes using acrylic paints and a gelliplate or acrylic sheet.
Examples below.
I love the unexpected results you often get using this method rather than painting directly onto the substrate and I was keen to see what printing inks and a printing press, in the form of my sizzix, could add to the process.
To create my monotype I painted with akua inks onto a small plastic plate in an abstract manner. I then placed the plate onto the sizzix, added a few leaves and using dampened Fabriano Unica 250 gsm paper, ran it through the press. You can see a video of the process here.
I like the outcome of these first prints and am looking forward to experimenting further with this technique.
First monotype out of the press
monotype with added collage
secoond monotype
second monotype with added collage
Comparing it to hand printing with acrylics, the most obvious difference is the extended working time the akua inks provide.
If the inks were the only variable I was testing it would of course be fairer to use the akua with hand printing.
As the sizzix does limit the sizes I can print at I will probably try this at some point in the future. For now I am just enjoying seeing what I can achieve with the sizzix.