monotypes

One-off prints

Monotypes are unique prints made by painting or drawing on a smooth surface, then pressing paper against it to transfer the image.

Unlike other printmaking methods, each impression is one of a kind—the process yields a single print rather than multiple copies.

The term also refers to biological classifications containing only one species or type: a monotypic genus.

process

plate

Flat dish for food

inkWriting fluid
pressApply force downward
paperPressed pulp for writing

brayer · roller · registration · impression · transfer · burnishing · dauber · squeegee · glass plate · acrylic sheet

printmaking

etching

Acid-incised metal print

lithographyGrease-based flat plate printing
intaglioCarving cut below surface
aquatintTonal etching process

drypoint · engraving · woodcut · linocut · silkscreen · serigraphy · screenprinting · mezzotint · chiaroscuro · relief

uniqueness

one-of-a-kind

Having no equivalent

singularOne in number
uniqueOnly one exists
originalFirst or inventive

irreproducible · unrepeatable · individual · distinctive · variant · spontaneous · experimental · improvisational · ephemeral · serendipitous

tools

brayer

Hand roller for inking

burinPointed engraving implement
gougeConcave carving blade
barrenUnable to produce

palette knife · dauber · newsprint · rice paper

Categories

artworkpaintings, portrait, drawings, drawing, illustrations
printmakingprints, print, printing, woodcuts, woodcut
printsprint, fine art prints, art print, woodcut, lithograph

Opposites

print multiplicity

monotypeseditions

Versions of publications

multiples · lithographs · etchings · woodcuts · serigraphs

artistic uniqueness vs reproduction

monotypesreproductions

Copies of originals

copies · prints · duplicates · posters · replicas

Family

Familiarity: Top 1,000,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Rated G