We haven't done this for awhile, so I was thinking that maybe some folks would like to try a spring forum challenge. I was doing some monoprinting recently, to make some background papers for collage work, and a friend asked me why you'd want to go through this process rather than just squirt paint on the paper and mess it around. The question got me to thinking.
The obvious answer is that you can mess the paints around better on a slick surface than on the paper itself, but I came up with a couple of other points too. One technique that I really ended up liking involved using a sheet of wavy-surfaced glass, and the patterns I got were ones that I would never have gotten by direct to paper application of paint.
Another benefit is that you can actually get more than one print from each paint mess. Each can still be called a monoprint, because none of them will be anywhere near identical.
Here's the easy-peasy directions, and you can see more examples at this
LINK on my personal blog.
1. Place a dab of each color that you wish to use in a small plastic cup. Thin the paints with water so that they will move freely on the glass or plastic surface.
2. Use masking tape to block off the size of the area that you wish to paint on your glass. You will be applying paints to the glass surface, not directly to the papers. The slick surface allows the paints to move freely as you manipulate them, until you are satisfied with the design.
3. Play with your paints on the glass surface. The addition of water to the mix will allow you additional manipulation time, but don't allow them to dry out. Try not to over-manipulate them either, or you'll end up with muddy colors.
4. Take your first piece of prepared paper and lower it to the surface. You can roll it on carefully or just drop in on. You can also slide it around slightly if you'd like an extra serendipity factor. Smooth lightly, and roll it back up from the surface.
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