Monotype

Planographic printmaking

The monotype is, unlike all other printing techniques, a method that produces only a single print, a unique impression.

The artist works on a flat surface, such as a glass plate, plexiglass, a metallic or plastic surface, referred to as the matrix.

The artist then draws on the matrix, applying ink with a brush, roller, or other tools.

The artist can work in different ways, either by adding ink (additively) or by removing ink (subtractively). The areas without ink, which are clean, will be the white areas in the final image.

Once the artist is satisfied with their image, they will need to print it onto a medium like a sheet of paper. For this, the matrix will be pressed either manually (by rubbing the paper) or using a press to transfer the ink from the image onto the sheet.

When the print is removed, the monotype is complete. The matrix is cleaned between each impression, making it impossible to reproduce the exact same work twice. That's why this type of printing is called a monotype."