Calling any book a "bible" always seems a tad risky because it has to be phenomenally comprehensive to carry off the title. With 416 pages The Printmaking Bible makes a fine attempt, but I think it needed far more how-to demos and info for the title.

But then, what could the publishers have used? It's not simply a how-to manual or handbook, it's not a cookbook of printmaking recipes, and simply "book" would be boring. While I did once do a stint as a copywriter for book covers, deciding the final title was never my problem (fortunately) and I can imagine the debates behind the choice. Any suggestions?

Read my review of The Printmaking Bible here...

See Also:
• Review from Printeresting
• View sample pages on the publisher's website

^{Photo © 2009 M Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}

"Artists at any stage of experience or development can use the monotype technique. The process offers an opportunity to experiment with imagery ... markmaking, tone, and texture ...

"...to explore styles and ideas in an spontaneous and expressive manner, with the potential to produce imagery ranging from bold to ethereal."

-- The Printmaking Bible, p379.

Famous artists who create monotypes is a bit of a who's who list. It includes Matisse, Picasso, Degas, Klee, Pissarro, Bonnard, Diebenkorn, and, going back some, William Blake.

^{Photo © Marion Boddy-Evans. Licensed to About.com, Inc}

If you haven't got a spare room, or a corner of a room, to set aside as a painting space, what about a porch? Ideally one that's enclosed, such as this porch-studio used by painter Wilt Nelson, where you can leave your supplies out. But even an open veranda that protects from sun and/or rain can be a good spot for painting.

Keep your painting supplies in a large crate or a small cupboard usually meant for gardening tools and, provided it's not hit by direct sun too much or freezing cold wind and you use them up relatively quickly, everything should be okay.

See Also:
• Can I Paint With Oils Without Using Turps?
• Will Acrylic Paints be Harmed by Freezing Temperatures?
• What Acrylic Paint is Best for Outdoors in a Hot Climate?

^{Photo © 2009 Wilt Nelson}

You don't need to use printing ink to create a monotype, you can use oil paint (though it takes ages to dry) or acrylic paint that either has extender added to it or is a slow-drying formulation. This video from Golden Artist Color shows how to create a monotype print using their Open Acrylics.

The video shows all three monotype techniques using simple designs that will hopefully inspire you to give it a go too. And once you have, share your monoprints here in the new monoprint show and tell. Watch the monoprint video here...