Images formed by a liquid are transferred onto both sides of a sheet-like recording medium without the liquid running on or penetrating into the recording medium. A layer of absorbing powder is formed on an intermediate transfer member. The liquid is applied to the powder layer formed on the intermediate transfer member so as to form a first visible image. The first visible image is transferred onto the front side of the recording medium. Thereafter, another layer of the absorbing powder is formed on the intermediate transfer member, and the liquid is applied to the powder layer so as to form a second visible image. The second visible image is transferred onto the back side of the recording medium.