Monotypes - a magical mix of planning and spontaneity

I am about to embark on a series of monotype prints for my exhibition. I love this medium. I use Rhenalon plates and caligo safewash inks or Akua Speedball inks - they give differing effects depending on how you apply them and the paper you use - t here is a lot of experimentation needed.
I enjoy mixing inks on the roller, wiping ink away and scratching into the ink on the plate. With careful registration you can build up layers too. Here is an example

LAST LIGHT OF THE DAY 

I have used pieces of paper to mask areas of the plate here.

There is a magical mix of planning and spontaneity with monotype printmaking.

Smudging  the ink around can give atmospheric effects

BUDDHA BY THE POND

Using roller, brush and even fingers to apply ink and wiping ink from the plate with toothpicks, cotton buds, and cloth the gives great variety of marks

BLUSTERY DAY

Its a good idea to sit down and think about what you are trying to achieve before you start - what layers need to go down first - how are you going to blend or mask colours etc. It can save a lot of paper! 
Once you have pulled that first print have a careful look at the plate before you wash it all away - sometimes the ghost print (printing what's left of the ink on the plate) can be very interesting and form the basis of a mixed media piece - adding drawing, collage paint/ink to the print.