Monotype / Monoprint
A monotype print refers to a unique, or one-off, artwork. An image is painted in ink on a polished plate, such as glass or metal, and transferred to paper by pressing the two together – normally via printing press.
Monotypes can also be created by inking the surface and, by using brushes, rags or other tools, creating areas of light from the solid opaque colour.
Morgan Doyle’s monotypes are made in this way by removing the ink with an etching needle, summoning images full of drama and energy. In his monotype ‘Untitled’, Doyle uses sand on the paper to further add depth and texture.
A monoprint is any form of printmaking where the image can only be created once, rather than in a limited edition run of several prints.
It may refer to a print created via other techniques (such as linocut, etching or woodblock) where unique hand colouring or collage is applied on top to render it a one-off, or to an etching that is inked and wiped in a not precisely repeatable manner.
For an example of the process at play, see Bruce McLean’s vibrant monoprint series ‘Son Carigol’.