The monotype is a form of printmaking which originated in seventeenth century Italy. Rediscovered and raised to a higher realm of art by Degas two hundred years later it was a much favored medium for such artists as Pissarro, Gauguin, Paul Klee, Max Ernst, Maurice Prendergast and Milton Avery. The monotype, a single printed impression, is produced by painting a picture or design on a flat surface of glass or metal, and transferring it onto a sheet of paper by means of pressure. More intimately connected to the original sketch than woodcut, etching or lithograph, it combines the spontaneous quality of a drawing, gouache or oil sketch with the magical impress of a fine print.
Bonnie became interested in the monotype based on her love of painting. It is the best of both worlds for her combining printmaking and painting. She first started experimenting with Createx paints (an acrylic-based paint), but quickly found oils worked best for her. The majority of her monotypes are rural landscapes based on photographs taken by her sister, Kathryn.