| Monotype
and Monoprints:
These are, as their names imply, one-of-a-kind images. A monotype begins
with a completely blank plate and is often called “the painterly
print” because of the freedom of means inherent in the technique.
The artist may paint or roll ink onto the plate, (often plexiglass) and
manipulate the ink with various tools, remove ink, add more and also print
on the same paper in successive layers. But because there are no permanent
marks on the plate, it is not possible for the artist to create multiples.
In a monoprint, there are permanent marks on the plate, but the artist
adds ink and makes changes to the image to such an extent that the print
is unique. The plate is inked in various ways, wiped, and printed. It
may go through the press several times, being re-inked to achieve the
final result. Sometimes Laurie uses collagraph plates in her monoprints.
 Relief
Printing:
The design is drawn on the piece of linoleum or wood to be used as the
printing plate, and the areas not to be printed are cut away. The plate
is then inked and run through the press, leaving the inked as an image
on the paper. (Mutiple plates may be used on one piece.)
Viscosity
Etching Intaglio Printing:
The design is line-etched into the plate and then various areas are bitten
by nitric acid to different depths. The ink is applied to the lower levels
with a firm piece of cardboard, and then wiped with a tarleton (cheese
cloth). Subsequent inks of diffferent viscosities are then applied with
rollers. The inks resist one another and create a wide variety of colors
that are revealed as the plate and paper are run through the etching press
one time. A “ghost,” or lighter print, can be made from the
ink remaining on the plate after the first printing.
Collagraph:
A print made from a plate made up of collage items such as cardboard,
fabric, wire, carborundum, glue, gesso etc. The plate can be inked as
a relief and intaglio and is usually pulled on an etching press.
NOTE
ON PAPER:
The choice of paper is important to printmakers. There is great range
in weight, texture, durability and color. All will be archival. European
papers may need long soaking and hand-made Japanese papers, used often
for chine colle, are delicate and often transparent. The choice can affect
the look and mood of a print.
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