Watercolour Monoprint help

[Rikard]

I've seen some wonderful monotypes made with watercolour. But when I tried one myself It ended up all blotchy.
My method:
Sand plexiglass plate.
Apply thin layer of gum arabic on plate and let dry.
Paint on the plexi with watercolour and let dry.
Soak a hot pressed watercolour paper and wait for it to dry just enough so that the shine disappeared.
Then put paper on plate and press.

My result

The vibrancy is there. But the brush strokes, which I can see on other peoples prints have disappeared. And it's just small blobs of paint. Blotchy. Maybe the paper was too wet? What do you think?

 

[Donna T]

I think you got a beautiful print, Rikard, and I’m sorry I don’t know anything about printmaking with watercolors. I make prints with acrylics on a gel plate but it’s a different process. Have you tried this on a smooth plexiglass or do you need some texture for the gum arabic to work? Would misting the paper instead of soaking it help? Maybe if there was less water in/on the paper your edges would be sharper. I hope someone else knows more about this and can help you.

 

[Rikard]

I think you got a beautiful print, Rikard, and I’m sorry I don’t know anything about printmaking with watercolors. I make prints with acrylics on a gel plate but it’s a different process. Have you tried this on a smooth plexiglass or do you need some texture for the gum arabic to work? Would misting the paper instead of soaking it help? Maybe if there was less water in/on the paper your edges would be sharper. I hope someone else knows more about this and can help you.

Thank you Donna. I do suspect that the paper was a bit wet. But I’m not sure. I suppose it could also have to do with me not owning a proper press. I don’t find much information online about these types of prints.

 

[Rikard]

My inspiration when it comes to monoprints is Martha Zmpounou. But she is also a huge inspiration when it comes to regular watercolour work as well. Here is an article with interview and images.
https://www.jacksonsart.com/blog/2025/07/30/martha-zmpounou-visceral-to-cerebral/

 

[Rikard]

I did a new try today. Less soaking this time. I think I'm on the right path at least.
A faun and a lady in the green.

 

[Donna T]

I think you solved the problem! These are beautiful! I like how they have sharper edges but still look like prints with unexpected surprises here and there. Martha Z. Is quite an artist - wow!