FOBA 2026 - Abigail Merickel - Solarplate Etching and Monotype

Focus on Book Arts 2026

Abigail Merickel
Solarplate Etching and Monotypes - Thursday, June 25, 2026

Read more about FOBA 2026 on their website!
https://focusonbookarts.org/2026-foba-conference/

Workshop Description:

Solar plate etching is a form of intaglio in which a photosensitive polymer plate is used. A drawing on trace film is placed on the plate, which is exposed to light and developed in water. Ink is rubbed into the etched lines and printed onto paper.

With monotype, colored inks are applied by brush and brayer on a plexiglass plate. Students will experiment freely with both techniques, singly and in combination, to achieve interesting hand-pulled prints.

Students will create a line and tonal drawing, etch the drawing onto the solar plate, and print an edition on an antique press, while experimenting with the addition of colored inks (monotype) and decorative papers (chine colle).

Materials/equipment to be provided by students:

• Apron
• Sharpies
• Drawings
• Uniball pens
• Small paint brushes
• Scissors