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Lesson 7 of 7
  • Year 11

Monoprinting techniques: unique and expressive prints

I can create unique and expressive monoprints using both direct and subtractive techniques.

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View unit
Lesson 7 of 7
New
New
  • Year 11

Monoprinting techniques: unique and expressive prints

I can create unique and expressive monoprints using both direct and subtractive techniques.

Download all

These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.

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Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Monoprinting creates unique, non-repeatable artworks.
  2. Expressive marks can be developed deliberately through line, pressure, and texture.
  3. Techniques include direct drawing, subtractive methods, and textured surfaces.

Keywords

  • Monoprint - a one-off print created by pressing or drawing onto an inked surface

  • Plate - the flat surface (e.g. acrylic sheet) used to apply ink for printing

  • Texture - the surface quality (real or implied) in an artwork

  • Subtractive monoprint - a monoprint technique involving drawing into or removing ink from a plate before printing

Common misconception

Monoprints should look “perfect” and repeatable, like digital prints.

Monoprints are valued for their unique, imperfect, and expressive qualities that cannot be exactly replicated.


To help you plan your year 11 art and design lesson on: Monoprinting techniques: unique and expressive prints, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...

Encourage pupils to embrace unpredictability - remind them monoprints aren’t meant to be identical or flawless. Celebrate experimentation and “happy accidents” as part of the creative process.
Teacher tip

Equipment

Acrylic, perspex plates or gel blocks. Block printing inks (water-based) Ink rollers and trays. Printing paper. Pencils, cotton buds, and textured materials (leaves, fabrics, etc.) Aprons, gloves.

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

Lesson video

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Prior knowledge starter quiz

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6 Questions

Q1.
What is a defining feature of a monoprint?

It can be copied many times.
Correct answer: It is unique and cannot be exactly repeated.
It is always symmetrical.
It requires digital software.

Q2.
What is the purpose of the "plate" in monoprinting?

to protect the paper from ink
to measure registration
Correct answer: to provide a flat surface for applying and transferring ink
to mix paints before printing

Q3.
In the direct drawing method of monoprinting, how do you transfer marks onto paper?

Correct answer: by drawing on the back of the paper placed over the inked plate
by erasing ink from the plate
by cutting into the plate with a sharp tool
by painting directly onto the paper

Q4.
What happens first in the subtractive monoprint technique?

You cut into the plate with carving tools.
You remove ink directly from the paper.
Correct answer: You ink the plate, then remove some ink with tools or textures.
You press the plate without using ink.

Q5.
Why might artists enjoy using monoprinting?

It creates perfect, repeatable images every time.
Correct answer: It allows for expressive, unpredictable, and unique results.
It guarantees neat, clean lines.
It is the fastest way to print multiple editions.

Q6.
Each monoprint will always look the same as the last one.

True
Correct answer: False

Additional material

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