Large-scale watercolor monotypes with artist Allan MacIntyre
- Irene Michnicki
- 3 days ago
- 2 min read
Unique impressions using water soluble materials
Allan MacIntyre has recently been developing a focused series of large-scale watercolor monotypes at Milestone Graphics Fine Prints. Using our motorized Takach etching press and plexiglass plates that were sanded and prepared with gum arabic, MacIntyre collaborated with Milestone Graphics to create a grouping of impressions that centered on the image of a volcano. Bold, bright watercolor pigments and a large working surface made for many distinct variations of the same theme.
MacIntyre worked with an assortment of water soluble materials including watercolor paints, pencils, crayons and graphite. Through this mixture of mediums combined on the plexiglass surface, various effects were possible including painterly, pigmented areas, watercolor-like washes and drawn lines.
Pulling the prints
When using an etching press to create watercolor monotypes, all of the marks on the surface are transferred through the use of dampened paper and the pressure of the press. Monotyping allows the artist to work quickly through ideas and explore media that would otherwise look very different painted directly onto paper without the pressure of a press.
Watch the video below to see us pulling one of the prints. Each 32 x 48" print was sent through the press and then carefully peeled away from the plate. After the prints were pulled, they were placed in a stack in between special drying blotters under pressure to ensure they dried flat.
Creating multiple impressions
In order to pull another impression, the artist must reapply ink, paint or materials again. This makes each print truly unique and does not produce an edition since it is highly unlikely to apply the materials in the exact same way. With every subsequent iteration of the image, MacIntyre built on top of the paint and materials left on the plexiglass surface and continued to change his approach. As we pulled each monotype and he responded to the previous impression created, a series of brightly colored volcanoes emerged.
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