trace monoprint

Ways to use trace monotypes

trace monoprint / /

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

collage with your trace monotype prints

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.

trace monotypes on tea bags

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.

collage with trace monotype print

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

gelatin prints with monotype marks

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?

Trace monotype print

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.

Mixed media print with sewing

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.

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Capture the energy with Gesture drawings

trace monoprint / /

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

gesture figure drawing

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.

gesture drawing of dog

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.

dog portrait

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.

gesture drawings of studio stuff

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.

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Play with Contour Line Drawings

drawings, trace monoprint / /

Contour line drawings can simply an object to its essence. I love the flow and energy of contour line drawings. So little can say so much.

Trace Monotype print contour line drawing

This type of drawing requires that you observe and follow the edges of the parts and notice how they meet and interact.

trace monoprint line drawing

In the images above I used contour line drawing technique to make trace monotype prints. The original drawing is used as a template/reference to produce this fuzzy line and plate ink print.

multiple trace monotype prints

With the trace monotype printing process you can use one drawing that you love to make unique multiple prints. They are all similar and yet a little different too.

I like this process because I don’t love to draw and this is one way to give my drawings that I do like new life.

If you would like to explore Trace Monotype Printing then, check out the details of the online class, Draw into Print.

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Find what motivates you – draw + print

trace monoprint / /

I noticed this note on my wall today.

what motivates you to make prints

It is a note about my process and how I think about printmaking. It really helps to have a stimulating and personal subject matter. Even a “special” found tool or mark making instrument can keep me printing for hours.

Secondly, I am reminded that my experimental approach to making prints without a press is not a straight line to success, but more like an ever widening spiral, with plenty of ups and downs and “failures.”

The third note:

  • simple
  • raw
  • authentic

is to remind me to embrace the idea that less is more. Sometimes that means fewer marks and and clearer focus.

trace monoprint scissors

I am thinking about using “studio stuff” as a subject matter for my next series of Trace Monoprints for the See, Draw, Print – online printmaking class.

Then I could work the prints into a small book. This will take a bit of planning so I have pages that can easily be bound. Last year I used the drum leaf binding to make a series of trace monoprints.

book of trace monoprints

Today, I explored using a perfect binding with single sheet 5 ” x 7″ prints. I really wanted that form of binding to work, but I don’t think it is very durable.

artist book of trace monoprints with perfect binding

Generally, I find fresh ideas and motivation when I am walking. I put a reminder note on my phone and test out my ideas when I get back to the studio.

Today’s ideas:

  • New way to use masking stencil – did not work as imagined
  • Use perfect binding to bind 5 x 7 prints – ok but I am not in love.
  • Find tools to make trace monoprint landscape – in progress

I share this with the hope to inspire you to act on your creative impulses and to be aware of what motivates you.

If you are interested in learning to use your line drawings to make trace monoprints, then join us in the online printmaking class, SEE, draw, Print – class start soon. Read all the details on the workshop page.

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Value in scribbling – loosen up!

trace monoprint / /

Paul Klee is quoted, “Art does not reproduce the visible; rather it makes visible.”

Scribbling is an automatic, loose, expressive line drawing. It is guttural and filled with emotion. The surrealist and abstract expressionist made scribbling ok.

One of my favorite “scribblers” is Cy Twombly. He did huge scribble like paintings. Do a google image search and enjoy.

Of course you are familiar with the action painting style of Jackson Pollock.

I also love the large brush stroke paintings by Franz Kline and Robert Motherwell.

What is it that is appealing about scribbling?

  • It is raw and authentic
  • It tells a different story to different viewers
  • Maybe it says what can’t be said with recognizable forms

scribble drawing

My scribbles are not going to get me into an exhibit or museum, but they do free up my mark making.

scribble trace monoprint by linda germain

I did a series of 30 small expressive style drawings, using the trace monoprint method and Akua inks.

expressive drawing by linda germain

I was experimenting with different pencils, pens and crayons to transfer the ink in different ways.

use different tools to make different marks

My drawings/prints went from chaotic to quiet and back and forth again. I think making art is like the ups and downs of a gentle roller coaster ride. In the end I had discovered some new tools and marks that I will use in my mixed media prints.

line drawing monotype print by linda germain

If you are interested in:

  • exploring expressive drawing
  • making trace monoprints

Join us in SEE draw print, the online class. Class starts Friday. READ the details.

 

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