Monotypes are one-of-a-kind prints. There are two main types, additive, where you paint onto metal or plexiglass, apply paper and pressure to transfer the ink or reductive, where the plate is covered and then the image is made by removing ink. I use etching inks for my monotypes, but other pigments, such as paint can be used as well.
Within the two main types, a plethora of techniques exist. Often I use stenciling, where a shape is used to cover an area while a color is printed and then is removed. You can also ink these shapes (or any flat item like leaves or feathers, etc.)to transfer a positive. Many of my monotypes include collage or chine colle elements. Collage is where bits of paper, fabric, etc. are glued onto the picture. Chine colle is when bits of paper, fabric, etc. have glue applied to the back and are laid onto the plate BEFORE printing. The press both prints onto the bits and adheres them.
Although monotypes are one-of-a-kind, additional prints can be made my repeatedly printing the image. Each successive print gets lighter and lighter. Often these ''ghosts,'' are more appealing than the original print. Sometimes I work back into them with watercolor.
Because each print is unique, I do not number them. You sometimes see the word ''Monotype'' or 1/1 on monotypes, but since each monotype is one-of-a-kind, I choose to title it only. I label the pieces as monotypes on a label, but not on the face. If you think about it, you don't see ''Watercolor'' under my paintings and I feel prints should be no different. It's my personal choice.
I have attempted to describe each print to let you know what method(s) I used. Feel free to email me from the bottom of the page.
Out of the Nest
NFS
A single plate was used to print what appears to be a triptych. Textured paper, feathers, hand-drawn and hand-cut stencils form the imagery.
Dog Park
NFS
This lighthearted depiction is in honor of the large number of canine playgrounds in our area. In employs the use of hand-drawn/hand-cut and commercial stencils.
Hungry Jay
approx. 8'' X 12'' $80
Hand-drawn and hand-cut stencils make up this limited palette monotype.
Eat Your Veggies!
$295
This started as a tribute to my ''sweetpea,'' but turned out to be a series of hand-drawn and hand-cut monotypes (3) framed together.
Topiary
approx. 10'' X 18'' $100
Hand-cut and found fabric trims compose a modern garden scene. It was included in the Art League's July Member Show in Alexandria, VA.
Poppies
approx. 5'' X 7'' $70 (framed) SOLD
Stenciled still-life with brayered texture
Rambouillet I & Rambouillet II
NFS
Note: Rambouillet sheep are a common breed of sheep in the U.S., bred for wool . My daughter adores sheep and I did these two prints for her. They are mostly a reductive method with a bit of stencil and some additive elements.
Fireman
Commission Piece - NFS, similar piece available
This is a combination of reductive and stenciling techniques done on three separate plates printed on a single piece of paper.
Palmettos and Sparrows Series (prints #1, #2 #3, #4) $195 each or $700 for all four (unframed)
This series incorportates a hand-designed and hand-cut palmetto stencil with etched hand-tinted bird collage pieces. Some prints have additional collage or chine colle elements. Note: All four have the same size print area.
All images on this page are copyrighted by Nancy Murphree Davis 2006. They may not be reproduced for any reason with out signed written permission of the artist.
