Alternative process
AdvancedGum Print Monochrome
Deep black, watercolour softness
Gum Print Monochrome is the black variant of Aquaprint. Black powder pigment mixed with pre-sensitized VP gum produces a monochrome of unique depth: less dense than carbon, but with incomparable watercolour softness. Ideal for portraits and still life.
The pictorialist softness
Monochrome gum bichromate allowed early 20th-century pictorialists to produce photographic images resembling charcoal drawings. In this spirit, VP Gum Print Monochrome uses black powder pigment for a soft, velvety result. Without potassium bichromate — the gum is already pre-sensitized.
Materials
640 gsm watercolour paper · Transparent gesso · VP Gum N°03 (pre-sensitized) · VP Developer N°06 · Black Pigment N°07 · Foam roller
100% non-toxic
All our chemistry is reformulated by Vision Picturale to be safe for home use. No toxic products whatsoever.
In 4 steps
How it works
Prepare
Scald the 640 gsm sheet, then apply 4 coats of transparent gesso (sizing).
Calibrate
Melt the VP gum in a bain-marie, mix in Black Pigment N°07, apply by brush then roll with a foam roller.
Expose
Expose with the Luminograph (2 to 4 min — negative).
Reveal
Develop 10 s in diluted N°06 bath, then clear in hot water (40°C) — a soft, deep black watercolour appears.
An alternative
Rather have it printed for you?
The artisan printmakers of Maison Picturale, a Paris atelier and gallery, produce prints in this process on commission, by hand, on 100% cotton paper. Vision Picturale supplies the kits; Maison Picturale handles the finished artwork.
Order a print at Maison PicturaleMaison Picturale · Paris 20e
