How it's done/Monotypes

first, "black", monotype

second, "ghost", monotype

third, "final", monotype

THE ALTERED MONOTYPE

I create my one of a kind painterly prints by drawing and painting over subtractive method monotypes, a process that Degas often used in his "ballet series". To begin, I cover a piece of Plexiglas with black (etching) ink, then remove some of the ink with rags, cardboard chips, or my fingers. This drawing by erasure creates lovely texture and dynamic contrast.

A piece of soft, damp paper is placed over this "painting" and put under extreme pressure by passing it through an etching press. When the paper is removed the image is transferred from the plexiglass to the paper, but not all of the ink is removed from the plexiglass. This allows me to place another piece of paper on the plate to receive the "ghost" image. A third piece of paper receives the rest of the ink, finishing the printing part of the process.

The first monotype is often very black, the second dark gray, and the third a bit lighter gray. After the ink is completely dry, I paint and draw on each monotype individually with watercolor, chalk pastel, colored pencils, etc., - whatever may suit each specific piece.

There are three artworks in each "series", each one a unique, original, altered monotype.