You can use the fuzzy line quality to create interest in your mixed media work.

In the image above, I made the circles and dashed lines on a tea bag, using the trace monoprinting technique. Then I used that tiny print to create calm and repetition in this collage.

Tea bags and sewing patterns are great to use with the trace monotype process, because they are lightweight and durable. If printed with waterproof ink, then they make fantastic transparent collage elements.

In this collage, I cut the little vase and flower from a bigger print to add a line element focus.

When these gelatin plate prints were nearly done, I decided to add the fuzzy trace monotype line to create movement and interest. This line quality is unique to trace monotype printing.

So ask yourself, Is there a time when this fuzzy line could add something to your mixed media printmaking?

This quick flower print was built on the ghost of a screen print. So gather some “failed” prints and see if they would be a good base for a trace monotype print.

In this mixed media print above, the trace monotype print is the base and I sewed papers and prints on top of the trace monotype.

If you want to learn more about trace monotype printing, join us in the Draw into Print, online workshop. Read all the details on the workshop page. Class starts soon.

Gesture drawings are fast, loose and scribbly. They take about a minute to do and they capture the essence of the subject.

Often in a live figure drawing class, we will start with 20 one minute gesture drawings. It is fun to layer several on top of each other. You can capture the energy of objects and animals too.

I like to use gesture style drawings when making trace monotype prints. The speedy nature of the drawing compliments the trace monotype process. Though I don’t “trace” when doing these gesture drawing trace monotypes. I think I lose some other fluid energy when tracing. I used a copyright free image from Pixabay for this dog series.

When you want to loosen up your drawing:

• Get a stack of copy paper
• Find a tool or 2 from your studio
• Look at it – Do an air tracing with your finger
• Feel the energy
• Set a timer and
• Do 10 or 20 one minute gesture drawings

I bet you will have one or 2 drawings that you like.

If you would like to explore trace monotype printmaking with some of your drawings, then join us in the upcoming class, Draw into Print. Read all the details on the workshop page.