Monotypes are one-of-a-kind works on paper that use only traditional printmaking techniques on an unaltered, flat printing plate to create an image. Each print is essentially a painting done on a printing plate. Once an image has been created on the plate, it is then transferred to another surface, such as paper, by pressure. This can be accomplished by hand or by means of a press. In either case, the "print" is made by transferring the image from plate to paper. The remaining ink on the plate can be used to create a visually distinct image called a "ghost" - also considered a unique image - which may still have attributes of the initial print but in an altered form. 

Two terms, monotype and monoprint, are often used interchangeably although they are technically different. Monotype, described above, is primarily how I create my images. Monoprint, alternately, is a print that results from a monotype image combined with another traditional printmaking technique such as lithography, etching, silkscreen etc. Both monotype and monoprint techniques result in a unique, one-of-a-kind image that cannot be reproduced. Look for the symbol "1/1" (meaning "one of one") in the corner of the print. It indicates that the work is a monotype or monoprint and no other exact images exist.