Monotypes -- Daffodils in watercolor, gouache, and crayon

I'm loving the monotypes. Maybe because it takes so long? Maybe because it's not so fussy for me like watercolor on paper can be (for me)? Maybe because it's always a surprise to see what happens and what ends up on paper (unlike watercoloring on paper)?

All are postcard size (4"x6"). The left side are watercolor monotypes and the right side are gouache monotypes. The lower right has some embellishment with a green sharpie on the background. 

All were fun. All were a surprise. I learned a thing or two on each one. I am done with daffodils for now. Between these postcards and the 3 larger daff monotypes and the giant acrylic daffs (see April 13 post). I have enough daffodils for now. 

Remember: treat the surface with gum arabic; use lots of pigment, no wishy-washy pale watercolors; wait for the paint to dry on the plate; turn plate over (when dry) to see if there is enough pigment and if you need to fill in any spaces; remember to soak the paper (Strathmore Multi-Media paper has been good for these monotypes); press hard. 

I'm going to take my small plexi plate on my road trip and see how this works for travel. Probably not so good for airplane travel but good for car trips. Maybe I'll bring a couple of plates. They can dry and be printed anytime if I don't scratch them first. Hmmmmm. 

This is a caran d'arche crayon monotype. 

who will get these postcards???????????????

Next: Coneflowers!!!!