Festive parties and manicured parks set the stage in Mark Mulhern's inviting monotypes. These one-of-a-kind prints are an integral part of Mulhern's creative process, enabling him to explore gestures, movements, clothing, and various surroundings. They function as quick in-depth studies that allow him to flesh out ideas, composition, and sometimes these go on to reappear in his paintings.

The monotype is a unique print made by drawing or painting an image on a plexiglas plate and transferring the image to paper through a printing press. Working on the plexiglass allows Mulhern to layer and remove colors in ways that painting on canvas would not allow, making for a more intuitive and instantaneous response to his creative process.

Monotypes are a seasonal endeavor for Mark Mulhern. The thick, heavy lithography and etching pigments needed for making monotypes often take days to produce and are affected by Wisconsin's ever-changing weather and humidity. 

WOMAN IN RED

Monotype

41 x 29 1/2” (Image)

45 x 32 1/2” (Framed)

BETWEEN MOMENTS

Monotype

41 x 29 1/2” (Image)

45 x 32 1/2” (Framed)

A QUIET STROLL

Monotype with Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil

41 x 29” (Image)

LAWN PARTY

Monotype with Gouache, Pastel and Colored Pencil

31 x 45” (Image)

When the monotype is dry, Mulhern often works back into the image using gouache, watercolor, pastel, or charcoal to refine his original print. The finished piece is now more akin to a drawing than a print.

DAPPLED LIGHT

Monotype with Gouache and added Watercolor

41 x 29 1/2” (Image)

45 x 32 1/2” (Framed)

TIERED CAKE

Monotype

15 3/4 x 15 3/4” (Image)

29 3/4 x 27” (Framed)

SUNBATHERS

Monotype

15 x 20” (Image)

26 1/4 x 29 3/4” (Framed)

FALL FASHION

Monotype with Gouache and added Watercolor

41 x 29 1/2” (Image)

45 x 32 1/2” (Framed)

Once satisfied with his composition, Mulhern runs the paper and plate through a press, creating a mirrored image.