How to create a mono print using pastels and block ink

Create a Mono Print Using Pastels and Block Ink

212
STEPS
TOOLS

Begin with a pencil drawing. I laid mine over a piece of carbon paper so the image will be on both sides. You can make your own carbon paper by scribbling graphite on a separate piece of paper.

Begin with a pencil drawing. I laid mine over a piece of carbon paper so the image will be on both sides. You can make your own carbon paper by scribbling graphite on a separate piece of paper.

See? On both sides:)

See? On both sides:)

Use chalk pastels to color drawing.

Use chalk pastels to color drawing.

Super messy!

Super messy!

Looks messy.

Looks messy.

Do NOT swipe excess chalk dust! I blow it off. Then spray with clear fixative or some sealer to prevent smearing.

Do NOT swipe excess chalk dust! I blow it off. Then spray with clear fixative or some sealer to prevent smearing.

Now for the printing. I am using a smooth board wrapped in Saran Wrap. A laminated piece of construction paper or plastic placemat will also work.

Now for the printing. I am using a smooth board wrapped in Saran Wrap. A laminated piece of construction paper or plastic placemat will also work.

Put a small amount of block ink on the surface. I used a pop cycle stick because this stuff is hard to clean up!

Put a small amount of block ink on the surface. I used a pop cycle stick because this stuff is hard to clean up!

Use the braver to roll it out evenly.

Use the braver to roll it out evenly.

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin

Rollin, Rollin, Rollin

Very thin, smooth layer. Key word: thin.

Very thin, smooth layer. Key word: thin.

Lay your colored drawing face down on the ink.

Lay your colored drawing face down on the ink.

You should see the lines on the opposite side.Do NOT rest you hand or arm on the paper!

You should see the lines on the opposite side.Do NOT rest you hand or arm on the paper!

Trace the lines with a pencil. I used a colored pencil to show progress.

Trace the lines with a pencil. I used a colored pencil to show progress.

Moment of truth! Gently lift the picture.

Moment of truth! Gently lift the picture.

Voila! A colorful mono print!

Voila! A colorful mono print!

  • White paper
  • Pencil
  • Saran Wrap or laminated surface
  • Chalk pastels
  • Block ink
  • Brayer
  • Fixative spray