Saturday, October 6, 2012

Additive process with Akua Kolor monotype inks

This ink is very thin and watery.  You have to shake up the bottle to mix up what has settled.  Very little drops of ink will go a long way, however, and you can use a small palette (since you don't need much ink).


Applying it directly to the plate you are using for printing works too.


This thin ink can be difficult to roll out when it is fresh.  If it is allowed to sit out in the air it will thicken up enough to roll up more evenly.


Pick up ink with your brush and start painting!


The colors blend easily, and they also wipe off from the acrylic plate easily, so mistakes are easy to erase.  Feel free to experiment.  Take some chances.  Be warned, however, that if the ink is applied too thick, then it will smear and run off the plate, ruining the print when you run it through the press.


Different size and style brushes will make different marks, adding some interesting variety to the work.


The paper is still acting as white in this process, so wipe away the highlight areas to create the whites.


The colors are more vibrant on the plate and just a little dull once printed.  If you want dark colors, be sure to make the image just a little bit darker than you want on the acrylic plate (to compensate for this tendency).


Clean up is easy.  Just wipe everything off with a dry paper towel. That will get it 95% clean.  The last little bit can be cleaned off with a damp towel, or some soap and water (if needed). 


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