Catherine Trapani Show How to Make a Reduction Monotype with Createx Monotype Colors
Createx Monotype Colors offer a different kind of experience from the printing inks and oil paints I've traditionally used to make monotypes. I found them very interesting to use, both for reductive and additive monotypes. I think they're an especially good tool for acrylic painters who want to print, for printers who want to switch from toxic materials and for teachers who want to use safe supplies with their students.
With Createx, you create your image, let it dry, then print it onto damp paper-as opposed to printing from a wet ink image. Since you don't have to print before the ink dries, there's plenty of time to refine your image. It's a good idea, though, to print the image within 24 hours once it's dry, for best transfer results. Be sure to let the Createx dry naturally. Don't use a blowdrier or strong sunlight, which can overdry the paint and make it hard to transfer.
The right degree of paper wetness is critical. I soaked Rives BFK paper, then wrapped it in plastic and left it overnight. It's important to keep the paper wet when layering colors or the paper will stick to the plate. Make sure the paper stays damp until you print; spottiness in color adhesion tends to occur if the paper starts to dry out.
Step 1
I drew a sketch on white paper. I then placed a sheet of Plexiglas over my drawing and traced it with a permanenet marker. Styrene or frosted polyester sheets work just as well for plates. I then turned my plate over to reverse the design, so that when I printed it, it would read as originally drawn.
Step 2
Using a brayer and a foam roller, I applied rolled Black Createx Monoprint Color to my plate. I could still see my original design through the color to help me create my image. I developed the image by using a foam brush and Colour Shapers to remove and texture the Createx color.
Step 3
After the plate was dry, I ran it through my press to transfer the image onto the damp paper. The finished print, 'Two Queens", is shown here.
About the Author
Catherine Trapani is a Seattle artist who works primarily in the "wonderfully spontaneous medium" of monotype. She also teaches printmaking to adults and children. Catherine's work combines strong design and symbolic imagery to create, as she says, "work that I hope to make resonate with a sense of mystery and timelessness." Catherine currently shows at the Seattle Art Museum's Rental and Sales Gallery.
