My monotypes are done on steel plates using mixed etching inks, then rolled by hand through an etching press. Some of the images are built with several - sometimes up to 20 - different impressions transferred to one sheet of paper. Each is a unique print, although sometimes I use the ghosted image left on the plate after the final pull to create variations on a theme. Mostly I use imported, hand made paper with various textures and rich colors. I’ve never liked using glass in displaying prints because it separates the richness of the paper and ink color from the viewer. After many trials and experiments, I discovered that applying beeswax to the prints enhanced their color, protected the work, and made them virtually indestructible. As an alternative, sometimes the monotypes are varnished. First they are dry mounted onto the panel, then 2 coats of varnish are applied. Although they are not as impenetrable as the waxed prints, they are most stable.

When painting I work both in oil with oil stick as well as acrylic. The oil sticks are seductive in their creaminess and rich color. But sometimes acrylics are more appropriate because their water solubility allows a fume-less, abandoning experimentation with drips and splashes. Regardless of the medium, I apply many layers of paint to create the dimensional effect of seeing color behind color.