How is a print printed?

There are different printmaking processes and techniques, but the basic concept involves creating an image on a printing plate. The plate is then inked in an effective and appropriate way depending on the process. A specific application of pressure is applied to a particular kind of paper pressed against the inked printing plate. The image is transferred to the paper. The image will appear in a reverse or mirror image of the plate image. For every impression, the plate must be re-inked.

What is an edition of a print?

A print can be printed in an edition, meaning a certain number will be printed. Each print will be consistent, with little or no difference in print quality or appearance. Although the prints are printed individually by hand with the skills of the artist and/or printmaker, there may be slight differences. The differences should not be significant or change the character of the image.

The size of the edition is indicated by a notation, usually with a pencil, at the bottom of the print. Sometimes a title will be included, and the signature of the artist.

The size of the edition is determined by the printing process and the durability of the printing plate, and how many the artist wishes to produce.

What is a monoprint?

Mono means one. A monoprint is a one-of-a-kind print, a single and unique print. A monoprint allows variations to be created by the artist-printmaker using the same matrix of a plate. Different colors or ink applications can be explored… A monoprint is often confused with a monotype.

What is a monotype?

Mono means one. A monotype is a one-of-a-kind print that is created by the use of a smooth plate surface that is not etched or engraved. Ink is usually applied in a painterly method, sometimes with a brush, rollers, or brayers. The painting is transferred from the smooth plate directly onto the paper. This will transfer in a reverse or mirror image.

When making a monotype, why would you paint on a printing plate rather than directly onto the paper?

Painting on a smooth, undisturbed printing plate allows the artist to manipulate the mark-making, painting in different ways than directly painting on the paper. The ink applied to the surface of the printing plate can be subtracted and added to the plate in countless ways, allowing the artist to create interesting marks and a different kind of control over the image than painting directly on the paper. It is another way of being expressive and expanding a visual vocabulary in image making.