Monotyping: subtractive method

In this technique, you start with an inked plate and the image is formed by manipulating and removing the ink by using rags, artist's fingers, paintbrushes, q-tips, sticks, etc.

What is special about this method: You don't need to print until you are satisfied with what you see. Therefore there is no waste of paper. If you are working on plexiglass you have the advantage of picking up your plate, which you can place against the light to check in reverse what the end result will be. The texture you obtain by removing the ink characterises this method which leaves unique soft tonal areas you cannot achieve with any other print media.