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.

[@susansweeney6429]

I love this set of prints! As always your videos are a pleasure to watch and so relaxing with no annoying voice-over or unessessary music, just your calm demonstration. Thank you for sharing your wonderful work with us.

[@DanTirels]

Thank you so much! I am pleased to know that you enjoy the videos. I try to make them as close to the way I work as possible, some people like to work with music on in the background, I prefer silence so this is reflected in my demos.

[@DanTirels]

Thanks for watching and comments, hope this video is useful. I try to make demos that avoid the need for any expensive equipment and can be created with simple recycled materials whenever possible. I appreciate your interest in these videos and will upload more soon.

[@nathalieleperron9809]

Un big big merci pour le partage 👌

[@edtodd9241]

hi i always enjoy our tutorial ,i have been making attempts to somewhat copy your videos but i seem to be having a hard time knowing how heavy the paint should be , and would it be easier to use acrylic over use of oil thank you ed

[@DanTirels]

Ed Todd Thanks I will try to post a new video showing this process in more detail using both oil and acrylic paint. It's easy to apply too much paint. Thanks for watching.

[@nathalieneveu4197]

Merci milles fois Dan.😍

[@Gracielascreative]

Thanks Dan. Inspired in this video I made a lot of diy stencils and I am very exited to make some monoprints with your technic. I have one video of my stencils. Check it out please, I will appreciate your feedback. Some are inspired in this video of you. Loved the designs. Thanks a lot. Many greetings from Germany. Graciela

[@rolfhogfeldt7645]

Absolutely STUNNING ! I love the simplicity of your "tools" to create the complex "visual" textures you get. I've learned more from watching about 4 of your videos, than I have in watching dozens, if not hundreds of of others. Thank you.

[@DanTirels]

Rolf Hogfeldt Really pleased that you have responded with such positive feedback for the demo videos. I hope you get good results from trying a few of these techniques. I plan to post more soon including a sculpture demo and a silkscreen Tee shirt print.

[@mhd5826]

Brilliant that something that seems so messy can actually turn out so neat. Thankyou!

[@chefjuanito]

I can't thank you enough for your videos. Blessed to have found them. I have been making prints with Gelli plates for months, but this technique is so rewarding, so peaceful. And, that your videos are quiet, calming. Thanks for simply being there and making art. Sending warm greetings from Kansas.

[@DanTirels]

Thank you very much for your positive comments, I always like to hear from viewers who have been inspired by the demos, I do try to make them as informative as possible and the calmness helps I think.

[@artshaman]

I am addicted to your monoprinting process. The use of stencils works so very well in this technique and I find this video very soothing and inspiring. Thank you so much for sharing it with us.

[@DanTirels]

You are so welcome!

[@myriamelaurent5753]

Sa donne de très jolie effet .🤩👍.

[@chrisruss9861]

Nice variety of negative and positive shapes. They are great templates.

[@chrystinelacaille9884]

I really love your work and technique with everyday things instead of expensive stuff. Thanks so much for sharing that with us 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@DanTirels]

Thanks for watching !

[@MerriWinter]

Really inspired to stretch my own art practice. Thanks for the no gimmicks , calm and organic approach to your videos. So refreshing

[@DanTirels]

Meryl Smith Thanks for the positive feedback, I've had a good reponse to these videos so I hope to continue to make some more, the silence seems to appeal to many and the techniques are easier to follow when shown in realtime. Thanks for watching.

[@christinedrage9891]

That's incredible and so creative. Your work is inspiring.

[@lisajonesmoore3853]

Fantastic! Love the simplicity of tools and images! Less IS more! Thank you.

[@BoCopenhagen]

-Beautiful. And showed in a rare nice SLOW speed.

[@DanTirels]

Bo Rødding Thanks, I always like to film in real time but this isn't always possible as the videos would be way too long, the latest demos have a mix of slow and speeded up sections. Still figuring out which is best. Thanks for watching.

[@frankfolino3118]

Absolutely stunning, fun, and doable!

[@jewelnavarrete3935]

Dan, Thank you so much for your generosity in sharing this beautiful art!

[@DanTirels]

Glad you enjoy it!

[@myriamelaurent5753]

Trop manifique bravo j adore.

[@emilyf5694]

Thank you very much for your video tutorial, which inspired me a lot.

[@DanTirels]

Glad I could help!

[@HaveAHappyArtyTime-withJanette]

Just wonderful...your technique is amazing....thank you for helping those of us who can't afford expensive art supplies to still be able to create beautiful art. AWESOME...you just made my day!

[@DanTirels]

JC Yeend Thanks I'm pleased that you enjoyed the video, I hope it was helpful. I think that it's important to show that you don't always have to have the most expensive art materials to work with, and the use of recycled materials is always a bonus.

[@gailwhitter3293]

Well, I did try this ... used acrylic and ended up using a bit too much paint on the plastic bag ... BUT I will try again tomorrow ... thank you Dan ... these are beautiful.

[@DanTirels]

Just takes practice !

[@ReviewsAndMore9]

I love this. So simple yet so complex. Thanks for sharing your technique.

[@DanTirels]

Glad you like it!

[@catherinewells2480]

I came across this wonderful demo this morning and have had a really enjoyable afternoon having a go at something similar with my own homemade stencils. Thank you for the inspiration !

[@DanTirels]

Thank you, glad to have provided some inspiration. This is a good technique to play around with.

[@rubielagil1567]

Excelente tu talento Gracias por compartir

[@DanTirels]

muchas gracias

[@catherinem7155]

Love this, so very clever.

[@DanTirels]

Glad you like it!

[@ruthannmolyneaux478]

Your monoprints look great! Hope I get a chance to try my hand one day soon. They look like a lot of fun, too. I especially like abstract forms that come together with line and other marks. Keep your videos coming!

[@maggiefreeman6513]

Love it! Thanks for sharing.

[@DanTirels]

Thanks for watching!

[@helanker]

I Love what you have done here and I love your templates. Awesome!

[@DieDreiDrei]

Merci pour l’’inspiration je sais ce que je vais faire dans les prochains jours Encore merci .dans l’attente de voir d’autres merveilles de vos œuvres 🌠

[@lindah1591]

Another creative piece with stunning results. I love your work, Dan.

[@DanTirels]

Thank you so much 😀

[@saramccracken5342]

I love your “loose lines” you make it look a lot easier than I suspect it is! Lots of great ideas though. Thank you!

[@DanTirels]

Thanks, it does take practice but you can get good results quickly, hope it works for you.

[@cindybell9195]

Love it

[@janpropst2804]

This was very inspiring! Thank you for sharing your process.

[@caroltroughton7853]

So different, the black lines on top are great :)

[@lorrainecassar1792]

I love this work of yours - I used to do silk screen printing with similar methods of layering - the black on top really gives it depth you have inspired me to have a go at this tecnique again - I love your work

[@kimberlyespinoza7970]

You inspire me!! I want to do a piece for my husband and each of my children and grands, using templates that represent aspects of their lives. Family, wild life, flowers, birds, medical symbols, etc. Thank you so much for sharing!

[@DanTirels]

That sounds like a very interesting idea, I am pleased to have provided some inspiration and I hope you have some successful results.

[@judithgillam5074]

WOW !!! You are brilliant ! Thank you . Kind regards - Judi = Australia

[@joyofart22]

Also love your colored papers I would use that too make jewelry out of recyclables and am a mixed media artist

[@abstractpaintingwithmattha9262]

I’ve become a big fan. I like how you use recycled materials as well. I tried a monotype print tonight, and I reached for the recycled grocery bags rather than fresh plastic...

[@DanTirels]

Awesome! Thank you! I really appreciate your support and positive comments, I hope you enjoy trying out some of the other techniques for yourself.

[@jennyhughes4474]

Yet another wonderful video - you're now one of my art heroes! I was going to try to copy your technique today but I got side-tracked and ended up making my first collograph (collagraph?) plate and prints: scribbled-into foil tops from desserts,.sandpaper, string, corrugated packaging = stuck on off-cut of foam board. But I hope to try some of your ideas soon... Again, thank you very much for making these videos and for putting them up here so you can inspire us all.

[@WhstlblwrBlastingEpsteinsILK]

Pure genius! Keep up the gorgeous & very original art prints! I am truly enjoying the videos and watching them as I await accelerated caner treatment! You're work is truly inspirational!

[@DanTirels]

Fugitive Savant Off-Grid Survival Thanks so much for the positive comments, I'm pleased you find the videos of interest. It's always good to recieve feedback and to know that people feel inspired to give the techniques a try. I hope you are well and send best wishes.

[@tammisloan6043]

I love the elegance and simplicity of your work. I am inspired to try your techniques in vitreous enamel.

[@DanTirels]

Thank you

[@Rita-jz3ri]

Noch einmal vielen Dank, dass Du, trotz so grosser „Anhängerschaft „, jedem antwortest. Das zeichnet Dich besonders aus !!!🤗👏 Es ist so eine Freude, Dir zuzusehen 🤗Wieso kannst Du eigentlich so gut deutsch ? Auch die Wiederverwendung der Materialien, sehr beispielhaft ! Ich gehe jetzt auf die Suche nach geeigneter Folie und einem scharfen Messer. Danke noch Einmal🌻

[@DanTirels]

Nochmals vielen Dank, ich kann nicht sehr gut Deutsch, aber dank Google Translate bin ich es anscheinend! Es ist schön, in derselben Sprache zu antworten, in der die Frage gestellt wurde.

[@joanzivi7425]

This is amazing! Thank you so much for posting this, Dan.

[@DanTirels]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@jarlsoars1150]

Always awesome as usual!

[@sarahmiller6183]

I LOVE this!

[@anukalarts7072]

Absolutely gorgeous - very unique!

[@DanTirels]

Anukal Arts Thanks very much

[@kimberlyespinoza7970]

1 minute in and love it already!!

[@Gracielascreative]

Beautiful Art. Thanks for inspiring!!!

[@scrapbagstudios]

I love this work - so much energy. 🙂

[@DanTirels]

Margaret Berry Thanks very much

[@martineakbayrak8033]

C'est absolument superbe ❤❤❤❤

[@peckinpahlady]

Loved this, so interesting. Thank you.

[@donrogers776]

I am going to try watersoluable oils since I don't have oils right now!

[@herminamiklos8194]

I subscribed your chanel of course. I love your art and I appreciate very much your showing us beginners how to use recycled materials for our experimentation. Thank you very much.

[@DanTirels]

Hermina Miklos I hope the demos help and encourage different ways of experimenting with your own art.

[@kimjolleymixed-mediaartist7357]

Fantastic!

[@Betsie45]

Thanks for another excellent video and your explanation is so helpful. I love the idea of themed templates... you've set me thinking... can't wait to try making my templates to achieve something unique. Only hope it will be at least half as good as yours.

[@DanTirels]

Betty Taylor This is a great technique to experiment with and with a little practice you can achieve great results. Good luck and thanks for watching. All feedback is appreciated and always welcome.

[@DieDreiDrei]

MERCI POUR VOTRE SIMPLICITÉ MERCI 🙏

[@MissT2U1]

Thanks..I’m inspired!

[@xxjones]

delightful!

[@socoaguirre7736]

Me encanto

[@lfrench2210]

Love!😍

[@carkirsch77]

Superb! Merci!👏🏻

[@edtodd9241]

thanks look forward to video

[@brendalyness1767]

Dan: I have watched several of your videos, and am inspired. Could you do one with white on top of two colors, and one with a painted paper before you start

[@skylarkingable]

wow

[@rosaelenasamar]

Great!

[@tingeling4443]

💚 💛 🧡

[@suemcarthur105]

wonderful

[@summersun5753]

So good! Thank you! :)

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

Dan just started watching your videos. Do you always use oils ? And would acrylics work just as well ? Keep up the great work and I will now subscribe

[@DanTirels]

I use both but I intend to make more demos with acrylic paint following several requests. Thanks for watching.

[@artshaman]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏🙌

[@DanTirels]

Thanks

[@eileenblodgett9403]

Wonderful- seems like the real work is cutting out the beautiful stencils- are they plastic? Craft knife cut outs?

[@francesdenike7526]

What do you use to preserve your creative artwork?

[@DanTirels]

You can apply a light spray of an acrylic matte varnish once the work is completely dry but this isn't always needed.

[@sabinewuttke2230]

Great work, Dan. Thanks for sharing. Are those oil paints?

[@DanTirels]

Sabine Wuttke Thanks ! These are oil paints applied in very thin layers I will update this video with a detailed description and a list of all materials and colours used.

[@karenharvey2549]

Thank you. Some great low budget ideas here. Did you make the individual stencils from the squares you cutout?

[@DanTirels]

Karen Harvey Thanks, I'm pleased to hear that you like the demo videos, I hope you find them useful. The small templates used here are made from scrap card from my own designs about 3" × 3"

[@carolynaberman6516]

what material do you use for the stencils?

[@DanTirels]

Here is a link to an earlier video showing how the stencils/templates are made (from recycled card and parcel tape) kzbin.info/www/bejne/rpzXlWWJaZaSgbc

[@najamussaqib4693]

Excellent but you must show the final print in proper way..................properly displayed

[@joyofart22]

Did you make the stencils love how you use recyclable material so inspiring can not wait to try thanks for sharing Joy

[@Rita-jz3ri]

Wie hast Du das so genau und zart ausschneiden können?

[@DanTirels]

Verwenden Sie ein sehr scharfes Bastelmesser und eine Schneidematte, aber seien Sie vorsichtig.

[@leannestedman6219]

Hi Dan, do you prepare the paper with gesso or some other primer beforehand or not? Thanks for sharing - the quality of what you create with simple recycled materials is amazing.

[@DanTirels]

Leanne Stedman I don't prepare the paper although this would be advised if you are using thickly applied oil paint. I use a heavyweight smooth card or paper which holds the thinly applied paint well, and I never use thinners. Thanks for watching the demo videos, I hope they are useful.

[@leannestedman6219]

@@DanTirels thanks for replying, yes that is very useful, I love the idea of allowing the natural quality of the paper to remain part of the work and it's great that your technique enables you to do that. One more question... given how important it is to keep the paint layer thin, why do you brush the paint onto the plastic bag pieces rather than, say, using a brayer? Is it because you prefer the unevenness of the brush strokes on the plastic?

[@DanTirels]

Leanne Stedman That is exactly why I use the plastic, I like the random marks and it contrasts with the precision of the carefully cut templates and the grid formation of this piece.

[@leannestedman6219]

@@DanTirels thank you very much, I love oil paint and this seems like the perfect technique for me to try 😊

[@lakedolfin]

Great work, but can you use oils on PAPER ?

[@DanTirels]

lakedolfin I find it's OK if used in very thin layers with NO thinners, always try to use good quality paint and work on paper or card slightly thicker 220gsm is ideal.

[@ChapmanGriffith]

Did you cut the templates your self

[@DanTirels]

yes all these templates are from a series of small monoprints, 100 different various designs from the Coast series.

[@rubielagil1567]

Es óleo o acrílico pintura

[@DanTirels]

Esto se hace con pinturas al óleo.