Monoprint in Clay

by AMACO brent

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Background of face

Apply face background.

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Create Background

After the front image is complete, create the backdrop behind the figure and around head.

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Preparation

Mask out the print area on the plaster slab with tape.

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Sketch

Sketch the outlines of your design, keeping in mind that the image and any text will be reversed in the transfer process. The first few prints won’t look exactly the way you expect until this way of drawing becomes more comfortable for you.

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Outline with Underglaze

Use AMACO® Underglazes in squeeze applicator to create permanent outlines. You can use water to erase or soften your outlines. Unwanted pencil lines can be erased with a damp sponge. They will also burn out during firing if not erased.

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Work foreground first

Use AMACO® Semi-Moist Underglazes to shade as you would with watercolors. Because you’re working in reverse process here, these shadings will be the blush of skin tones on the image’s surface when transferred.

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Add background color last

Apply the background colors for the figure.

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Background colors complete

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Flowing color in background

Moisten and let the color run to create the flowing backdrop.

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Finishing background

Adding and darkening the flow of underglazes; adding more complexity to the flowing background.

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Remove tape

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Clean up borders

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Reapply tape

Place fresh tape borders for slip application.

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Apply underglaze

Apply White Underglaze to the background behind figure and flowing halo. The layering behind the portrait figure helps to create an illusion of dimensionality.

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Remove tape

Now the image is complete and you can remove the tape borders.

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Cut Clay "Dams"

Once the image is complete and is dry to the touch, create a clay dam that works as a mold box for the casting slip to be poured and firmed up to create the clay print. To make this clay dam, roll out a clay slab approximately 3/8 of an inch thick and cut into 1″ strips.

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Apply Slip to Dams

Apply slip to the adhering edge by brush casting slip (same as you’re going to use to pour the image) onto the edge of the clay strip.

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Build Dam

Make the wall around the slab by attaching it to the surface of the plaster slab around the image.

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Finished Dam

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Pour casting slip

Pour casting slip over the image to desired thickness. Start at one end and work your way over to the other side. If the casting slip is thin, it will level out on its own. If the casting slip is a little thick, you’ll need to level it out with a spreader.

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Allow to set

Allow the casting slip to harden for about 15 minutes. When firm to the touch, cut off the clay walls, check to see if it is strong enough to remove.

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Remove from plaster

Place a piece of plastic cling wrap on back of clay print and then a piece of cardboard. Carefully flip it over and remove the plaster bat. The clay print can continue to dry on the piece of cardboard. Drywall or a wooden board work just fine as well.

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Dry and Fire

Allow to dry and fire as recommended for casting slip.

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