Abstract Expressionism
A painting movement in which artists typically applied paint rapidly, and with force to their canvases in an effort to show feelings and emotions, painting gesturally, non-geometrically, sometimes applying paint with large brushes, sometimes dripping or even throwing it onto canvas. Their work is characterized by a strong dependence on what appears to be accident and chance, but which is actually highly planned. Some Abstract Expressionist artists were concerned with adopting a peaceful and mystical approach to a purely abstract image. Usually there was no effort to represent subject matter. Not all work was abstract, nor was all work expressive, but it was generally believed that the spontaneity of the artists' approach to their work would draw from and release the creativity of their unconscious minds. The expressive method of painting was often considered as important as the painting itself. Abstract Expressionism originated in the 1940s.


In this page, I am presenting abstract expressionist paintings made using a technique called monotype or monoprint, that is in artform that generally yields one impression at a time from each prepared plate. Monotypes are highly prized because of their unique textural qualities and one-of-a-kind images.

They are made by painting and applying basically any technique on glass or smooth metal, stone, acrylic, plexiglass or even wood plate and working with a greasy substance such as water soluble paint, oil paint or etching paint, to name a few. Then the painting is pressed by hand onto a sheet of absorbent paper or is printed on an etching press. The pigment remaining on the plate is usually insufficient to make another paint unless the original design is reinforced. Further, any subsequent paint will invariably differ from the first one, because variations in repainting and printing are inevitable.

Since each piece is unique and hand executed, monotypes cannot be considered a technique of multiple replication, hence the current demand for this type of unique artwork. But, because these paintings are printed, they are usually classed with printmaking media.

One of the earliest artists to explore the technique was Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (c.1610-65), who made monotypes using copper etching plates. In the 19th century, the English poet and artist William Blake and the French artist Edgar Degas also experimented with the technique.

Nowadays, a monotype is an avantgarde, free technique, high quality painting in which only the imagination of the artist is the limit.

Below this informative text, I am presenting some of my latest works in the monotype field. They were made at the School of Fine Arts in the National Autonomous University of Mexico (Escuela Nacional de Artes Plásticas, U.N.A.M.) in Mexico City, and were worked on an acrylic plate, painted with etching inks, water colors, collage and assorted mixed medium on Guarro paper and printed on an etching press.

The format size of 10.5 x 14 inches, equivalent to 26 x 35 centimeters. Most of these originals are available for purchase, priced at $180.00 US dollars each, and are shipped USPS, FedEx or UPS insured, matted with acid-free white core board 20 inches by 24 inches, with backing and inside a cellophane bag. I would appreciate receiving your e-mail, I am open to any inquire or comment that you may have.


I thank etching master Gerardo López Padilla, Director of Capdevilla's etching workshop at the School for Fine Arts in Mexico City, my very good friend of over 27 years, for his support and for always being the best a friend can be. I also would like to thank you for visiting my virtual galleries. Any thumbnail with a red dot like this indicates that the original has been sold. Click on thumbnails for a larger image.