5 minute art demo : Monoprint using oil paint with abstract design

Filmed in real time with no edits Dan Tirels 5 minute demo : 4 colour monoprint using template design. 10" × 7" (inches) This particular monoprint is based on one of my large mixedmedia paintings and features 2 abstract figures, I will begin by sketching a few ideas and selecting the colours for the composition, always testing on scrap paper to see how they work together. Method : I begin with a simple template 7" × 10" frame using recycled card, tape the paper down on the reverse side with masking tape which won't spoil the surface when removed leaving a nice clean border. Mark out the size of the image on a piece of paper (this will form the template) draw out the design, here I have marked out the position of the two abstract figures. Carefully cut out the masks, keeping the offcut to serve as the template for the background colour. I always begin with the background, you could work starting with the figures it doesn't matter at this stage. In this demo I have already made a print from the paint transfer sheets, I think it is important to remove access paint to get a better monoprint you can get much finer lines and texture details, the first print acts as a test. You can see there is very little oil paint used on the final version. The technique of spreading the paint thinly onto the (plastic) transfer sheet is shown in many of my other demos, so is not shown here. Light pressure will produce softer tones, I use an old blunt pencil or biro to add texture and fine lines then use fingertips for more solid forms, remember always leave plenty of white in the composition. With the last layer (in this case Ivory Black) it is important to control the amount of paint, it is so easy to apply too much and ruin the composition at this stage, work from the previous layer, replace the cut shapes but move slightly from the original position. As with all these techniques it takes practice and it doesn't always work out but with time you can get really impressive results and use the techniques on your own style and interest. Materials : Oil paint : Cadmium Yellow Cadmium Red Coeruleum Blue Ivory Black Daler Rowney Georgian series 200gsm smooth card Recycled card /parcel tape (for mask) Plastic carrier bag Scrap card Scissors Masking tape Mixing knife Rags/sponge/tissue Old blunt pencil and biro Latex gloves (although I don't wear them in this video, I recommend them as it does get messy) Instagram   / dan_tirels   Facebook   / dan.tirels   Twitter   / @dantirels   Pinterest   / dantirels