Monotype workshop in November at my San Rafael studio! Explore this painterly and intuitive medium. Two day workshop November 19 and 20, 10 am - 3 pm. We will work with water-soluble etching inks, all levels welcome. $150 fee includes ink and use of tools, bring your own paper or I will provide at my cost. Class will be limited to a small size, be sure to sign up early! 50% deposit will hold your space in the class, I accept checks, Zelle, Paypal, or Venmo.

Barbara Morris Hummingbird Series XXXVIII monotype 2020

A monotype is often considered the “most painterly” print. Unlike other techniques that may involve extensive planning and prep work, monotype is more spontaneous, allowing the artist to experiment freely and work intuitively. Each print is a unique work, which cannot be identically reproduced, hence the term “mono.” (The cousin of monotype, monoprint, is similar but also features a “fixed matrix,” an etched pattern or other device that will repeatedly show up within the prints made from that plate.)

There are two basic ways to begin approaching the plate. We will be working with acrylic printing plates. One is to cover the entire surface of the plate with a thin layer of ink, and then use q-tips, rags, or other tools to create an image or design by removing ink, a subtractive process. The other approach is to create the image by rolling or brushing it on directly, an additive process. Once these two methods of working are familiar, you may adapt and mix them as suits your needs.

We will print onto wet paper, blotted on towels to remove much of the moisture. The inked plate, with the desired image, is placed on the clean print bed, with the dampened paper laid on top. A layer of newsprint goes on top to protect the blankets. Pressure is adjusted (by feel, this is something you learn with practice over time) and the plate and the paper are run through the press. Once it's through, the exciting moment has come: time to pull the print!