A one-of a kind print, made by applying paint or printing ink onto a flat sheet of metal, glass, or plastic, called a plate. The image is transferred from the plate onto a sheet of paper by pressing the two together, usually using a printing-press.
Monotypes can be created by inking up parts of the plate- painting your image or mark directly onto the surface. This is called the “addictive” or “light-field” technique.
Alternatively, the “subtractive”, or “dark-field” technique, involves the entire plate being inked- up, after which you can use any tools to manipulate or remove parts of the ink.
I will often start my prints using the “subtractive technique’’, followed by multiple layers of mark-making to create texture, using the “addictive” technique.
A monotype impression is usually unique, though a second, lighter impression from the painted printing plate can sometimes be made too, this is called a ghost print- I love the residual marks this second pull can create, so sometimes, I’ll start to work my prints back up from a ghost print.
So how is this different from a monoprint? Monoprints can have permanent features or etchings on the plate. A monotype doesn’t, making it a truly unique print.
I hope that makes sense. Don’t get me started on having to map out all your layers on the reverse side of the plate!