Gelatin Print & Computational Art: Therese Vahland

Monoprints

A monoprint or monotype is a one of a kind print. It cannot be reproduced exactly the same. With printing on a gelatin plate, you cannot reproduce the background exactly the same. If a print is over printed with another design, it will not come out the same. The ink or paint varies. Therefore it is called 'mono' meaning 'one'.

Monoprints can be drawn on to enhance their design. They can have another design overprinted on the first design, perhaps introducing new colours, subtleties or designs. A ghost print can be used for the second printing. 

Here is an example of a first print:

This is the same print as a ghost print:

I prefer the ghost print of a gelatin plate. The heavy colour is gone but the marks and whisps of colour make it so interesting. 

Computational Art

Compurtational art uses digital means to manipulate the the print. Both prints need to be scanned into the computer. Then using a computer program one print is overlayed over the other to give a further ghost-like appearance.

This print then needs to be printed by a computer printer onto photo quality paper or onto canvas that can be put through the printer.

When combining prints this way you have the luxury of being able to try out different prints until you get one you are happy with. You can move the top print around and flip it until it complements the base print.

Further, you can add colour to introduce more interest:

Try this out and let me know how you go.

Other posts about printing you may be interested in:

   Printmaking ideas by Therese Vahland