Monoprinting with templates

Inspired by objects found or collected from walking along the coastal landscape, abstract shapes and textures that are a unique mix of natural and artificial elements. The small templates used here are from a series of over 1000 various designs that I work with and combine together in these larger compositions. I use these simple templates as a way to protect the white of the paper from the thin layers of oil paint, they act as a guide to the composition and allow me to sketch and improvise as I work. This technique works best with very little paint used, it can be easy to overwork them and apply the paint too thickly. The range of marks that can be achieved using this method makes it a great exercise to practice, I use it to try out ideas for larger compositions. I find oil paint (or oilbars) work best but it could work with acrylics and printing inks. Materials used : 160gsm Smooth card Grid (cut from old sketchbook cover) 9 templates "Coast" series 3" × 3" (made from recycled card) Plastic sheet (offcuts from plastic bag) Oil paint : Cadmium yellow, Vermilion (base colours) Vandyke Brown, Prussian Blue (top layer) Pallet knife, rags, sponge, blunt pencil, latex gloves, craft knife, masking tape. Thanks for watching.