![Unfinished larger work that features mostly inked mylar inserts with some quick brayer accents.](https://i0.wp.com/www.joehigginsmonotypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_1230-1024x741.jpg?resize=580%2C420)
I posted a brand new Monotype that features brush work, something I haven’t done in a while. I’ve also been experimenting with mylar inserts and stencils. I cut simple shapes out of mylar, ink them, and lay them into the image, which in these examples is often made with a brayer (ink roller). This creates a hard edged, graphic, somewhat cartoon or designerly look.
I try to contrast that with the brayer effects which tend to be more painterly and soft edged, though I also use the edges of the mylar as a stencil for other harder-edged lines. In some cases, soft, almost watercolor-like ghost images from the earlier prints are layered with the darker, harder edged inks in a second “drop”, or run through the press.
These are mostly small (12×16″) studies that I hope to refine and use in larger prints. Let me know what you think. I try to answer each comment, though it sometimes takes a little while.
![Mostly brayer (roller) effects with some mylar inserts laid in.](https://i0.wp.com/www.joehigginsmonotypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_1251-750x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C792)
![Combines a ghost image with insert/stencil effects and brayer work.](https://i0.wp.com/www.joehigginsmonotypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_12191-768x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C773)
![Color study, mostly brayer work. Ghost of this appears in a later image](https://i0.wp.com/www.joehigginsmonotypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_1218-784x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C758)
![Darker imagery printed on top of ghost image, combining brayer and insert/stencil effects](https://i0.wp.com/www.joehigginsmonotypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_1254-770x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C771)
![A ghost image, created mostly with the brayer (roller).](https://i0.wp.com/www.joehigginsmonotypes.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/IMG_1212-778x1024.jpg?resize=580%2C763)
2 replies on “New Studies”
These are gorgeous, Joe! I really like seeing the whole collection together- it allows us to see all the different techniques you have been working on. My favorite is the second image- it has such a beautiful quality of light!
Thanks, Erin! The ‘ghost’ prints add a lot of depth and atmosphere. They’re lighter and sort of add a backlit quality. Really enjoying them and now incorporating them into my tuesday eve. workshop.