Experiment with print: monotype
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can experiment with unusual tools and materials to create expressive, original prints.
Key learning points
- Each monotype is singular rather than a reproducible copy, which creates a unique artwork with only one edition.
- Artists use mark-making to express tone and texture in monotype.
- Artists can use less formal tools like cotton buds and wooden forks to experiment in monotype.
Keywords
Monotype - a printmaking process where only one strong impression can be made, making each print unique
Ghost print - a lighter second print made from leftover ink on the plate after the first print; it creates a soft, faint image, like a shadow of the original. Artists may use ghost prints to create layered effects
Common misconception
You can make multiple identical prints from one monotype plate.
Monotypes create a single, original image. You can sometimes pull a faint ghost print after the first, but it’s never identical. The unique nature is what makes monotype special.
Teacher tip
Greater contextual information on the artists' work can be found in the additional materials. You may wish to alter the imagery to better fit your project themes.
Equipment
Block printing ink, rollers, acetate sheets, cotton buds, wooden forks, sticks, textured cloths, paintbrushes, paper, pritning press or barens or wooden spoons for hand pressure (if no press).
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which part of a relief print receives the ink?
Q2.Fill the gap:
In reduction printing, the block is after each printed layer.
Q3.Match the term to its correct definition:
Q4.What is a plate in printmaking?
Q5.Tone describes how __________ a colour appears.
Q6.Which phrase best describes visual texture?
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Experiment with print: monotype, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Experiment with print: monotype, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 4 art and design lessons from the Fine Art unit, dive into the full secondary art and design curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.