Pulling the monoprint © Mari French 2017
I’ve wanted to try monoprinting for some time. The one time I had a go (years back) I was not impressed (excuse the pun) but I think I’d used the wrong type of paper, plate and temperament! A monoprint (or monotype) is a unique print taken from a plate on which ink or (in my case) acrylic paint has been spread with rollers. Marks, textures impressed into the ink/paint and shaped masks (eg. paper) can all be used to create and enhance the final image.
Recently inspired by the beautiful and original monoprints of artist Tonie Rigby I decided to try using a gelli plate. These are very popular at the moment but I’ve not been taken by the proliferation of bright colours and patterns often produced. Gel plates can be a bit tricky to get used to and some artists dislike the texture, but apart from the shape (A4, I prefer square sizes, so may have to cut mine down) I quite liked the slight give of the gel.
Having been stunned by Tonie Rigby’s ‘Urban boxes’ work (see her blog link above), I wondered if I too could achieve something different, a progression of my current painting series maybe. If nothing else it would be interesting and hopefully, fun to try.
Well, today in the studio it was definitely interesting AND fun. I produced over a dozen bits of rubbish before I started loosening up and getting messy, employing more painterly techniques, which is when I work best. I used various acrylic paints and watercolour paper. As with my paintings I wanted to experiment – what would happen if I used this or tried that? …
I must admit I actually liked the look of inked up gel plate itself, perhaps because the transparent surface added another dimension. Today’s work was just the beginning, I’ve just started and have a way to go yet, but I’ll keep at it. Will post more of my monoprinting attempts at a later date.
Mari French RI : contemporary artworks 
You have inspired me to give my gelli plate another go!
Great! Hope you have fun Eileen.
I’ve recently bought a gelli plate, and have struggled to produce satisfactory images. I love the result you posted, well done for persevering! I must have another go. I was interested in Amada’s comments about Open acrylics, I’ve not tried them, but it would give more time to work the plate. Thanks for starting off the posts Mari!
Thanks Sue. Amanda’s idea of open acrylics is a good one. Mine are a bit of a mix but I found if I gave them a good mixing with gloss medium it helped their spreadability. But Open might be better in the long run, because I did find the paint was drying a bit quick. I must admit I’d bought the plate a while ago but was a bit daunted for a while. As I mentioned, it was when I started getting messy that it started working for me!
I love using a geli plate. I agree the work you see around is not that inspiring but i think used sensitively you can produce fantastic pieces with depth and atmosphere. I use ‘open acrylics’ which work really well and you can build up layers and mask areas – once you settle in its great fun and very inspiring. I enjoy the spontaneity of the process. This looks like a great start and i’ll look forward to seeing more!
Thanks for your great comment Amanda. Glad you enjoyed the post!
Wonderful Mari – I love the freedom of Monotypes – these first ones of yours leave me looking forward to more from you 😊
That’s really kind of you. Thanks for the lovely feedback!