mono printing:

We tried out collage mono printing during our Monday workshop. I decided to to for a combination of red and black ink because I believe that they are both bold colours that provide a contrast to each other. To begin with we placed the leaves onto a plate with black ink and put it through the press, this was to ensure that the black ink was on the back of the leaves and then we put them through again with the plate with red ink. I think that the first black and white print has a good contrast and the shapes and forms stand out.the edges are rough and seem almost childlike, but I believe that this gives the image character. However, I do believe that large white gaps that the leaves have left cause the print feel slightly empty and void, as if there should be something else there.

Looking at the relate of putting it through with the red ink I can see that the shapes seem almost real, the veins and lines from the original leaves are viable and I believe that the use of black against a red background cause the forms to seem as if they are jumping out at the viewer. I think that the sections that have been left white add a sense of light to the print, as if someone if shining a torch on it from the side. Again I believe that the finished print feels messy and amateur but I think that this invokes a fun and lighthearted atmosphere and there is a sense of joviality about this piece. The edges and lines are rough but not harsh and the bright red background sees to entice and welcome the viewer in, it is not a serious piece and there is no pressure for the viewer. I believe that this print is my most successful out of the there as the colour are strong and bright which which I think enhances the shapes of the leaves and allows them to stand out.

When looking at the print after putting it through the press a second time I can see that the ink is far more dull than the first, which is to be expected. we tried a different composition, as well as switching the colours of the ink around so the the background is black. I believe that laying the straight leaf across the middle of the print has allowed it to stand out and act as a focal point that immediately draws the eye. Unfortunately, I don't think that the contrast is as strong due to there not being as much ink as the first time and I believe that this causes the final print to look worn out and tired. Again, I think that the sections of white add another tone to the image and provide the viewer with something new to look at. this is my least favourite print out of the three, I don't think that the red on a black background is as effective as black on red and I think that this print is far more dull than the others, it looks washed out, like it's seen better days.