Trace monoprinting is a simple printing process. And having a high quality, slow drying ink like Akua Intaglio makes it even easier.
I am getting ready for the online class, SEE – draw – Print and making prints and discovering new things in the process.
I am most pleased with how the Akua Intaglio ink stays active and workable for a very long time. The Akua ink is designed to stay open and workable until it is absorbed into the paper.
So I can leave it on my palette over night and come back the next day and work it a bit with my palette knife and brayer and start pulling prints right away.
It is a soy based formula and does not have the toxic properties of traditional oil based inks.
In the past I have used the speedball water based block printing inks with a retarder to make trace monoprints. That ink dries pretty quickly, so I needed to work fast and spontaneously.
A good way to try out the Akua inks it to get a starter kit. You get some Intaglio ink, and liquid pigment and transparent base and one modifier. I would suggest getting a jar of Mag Mix too.
I use the Mag Mix to stiffen the ink and make for a cleaner line when making trace monotype prints.
If you are new to printmaking and have never used professional quality inks, please enjoy this video and others by Susan Rostow, the creator of Akua inks.
If you would like to explore printmaking without a press, get support from an online class. Check out the current offerings on the printmaking workshop page.
