Monotype - monoprint

A print made alone rather than in an edition of more than one copy. A Monotype is usually created by painting on a sheet or slab of glass and transferring this still-wet painting to a sheet of paper held firmly on the glass. The print is created by rubbing the back of the paper with a smooth implement, such as a large hardwood spoon. The painting from which the print is made may also be done on a polished plate, in which case it may be either printed by hand or transferred to the paper by running the plate and paper through an etching press. The purpose of doing a Monotype instead of an original painting is to obtain a special surface quality or texture. Some of the first examples of monotypes by American artists came from Frank Duveneck and his circle including Otto Bacher in Venice. They were printed on Bacher's printing press, and visiting the studio to learn the technique was James McNeill Whistler. Pat Martin Bates is a contemporary Canadian artist who specializes in monoprints. Sources: Ralph Mayer, "A Dictionary of Art Terms and Techniques"; Kimberley Reynolds and Richard Seddon, "Illustrated Dictionary of Art Terms" (LPD)