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Printmaking
Printmaking is an process where multiple prints of an image can be made by use of matrix on which the image is created.
A composition is created on a surface from which a transfer using ink is possible, such as a plate, stone, piece of wood, potato, etc.
Ink is applied, and the image is transferred to a substrate, usually paper.
This piece of paper is known as a print.
The same matrix can be used to create identical prints.
A series of identical prints is known as an edition.
Essential printmaking terms
- Burin a round, flat tool with a handle used for rubbing
- Brayer a roller used for applying ink
- Edition a group of identical prints created with a single plate.
- A.P. artist's proof. This is placed at the bottom left hand corner of a print that is not part of an edition.
Techniques
The four most popular printmaking techniques are woodcut, etching, lithography, and screen-printing.
These techniques can also be combined.
Some other printmaking techniques are chine-collé, collography, monotyping, engraving, drypoint, mezzotint, linocut, aquatint and batiking.
Woodcut
Woodcut thought to be the earliest printmaking technique appearing first in 9th century China.
The artist draws a sketch on a piece of wood and then uses sharp tools to carve away the parts of the block that he/she does not want to receive ink (a soft wood is generally best.)
The raised parts of the block are inked with a brayer.
A sheet of paper (may be slightly damp) is placed over the block.
The block is then rubbed with a barren (a spoon can be substituted) or is run through the press.
Separate blocks are used for each color.
Woodcuts are an example of a relief print.
Artists: Emil Nolde, Paul Gauguin, Edvard Munch, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Erich Heckel, Olga Rozanova, Helen Frakenthaler, Georg Baselitz, A.R. Penck, Joel Shapiro, and Willie Cole.
Etching
Etching part of the intaglio family (along with engraving, drypoint, mezzotint, and aquatint.)
Etching prints are generally linear and often contain fine detail and contours. Lines can vary from smooth to sketchy.
A waxy acid-resist, known as a ground, is applied to a metal plate, most often copper.
After the ground has dried the artist uses a sharp tool to scratch into the ground, exposing the metal.
The plate is then completely submerged in an acid that eats away at the exposed metal.
This process is known as biting.
The waxy resist protects the acid from biting the parts of the plate that have not been scratched into.
The longer the plate remains in the acid the deeper the incisions become.
The plate is removed from the acid and the ground is removed with a solvent such as turpentine.
The entire plate is inked.
A wad of cloth is often used to push the ink into the incised lines.
An etching is opposite of a woodcut in that the raised portions of an etching remain blank while the crevices hold ink.
The surface is wiped clean with a piece of stiff fabric known as tarlatan or newsprint paper. The wiping leaves ink only in the incisions.
A damp piece of paper is placed over the plate and it is run through the press.
Artists: Pablo Picasso, James Ensor, Paul Klee, Edward Hopper, Käthe Kollwitz, Otto Dix, Henri Matisse, Giorgio Marandi, Cy Twornbly, Brice Marden, Jim Dine, Mauricio Lasansky, and Lucian Freud.
Lithography
Lithography is based on the chemical repulsion of oil and water.
A porous substrate, normally limestone, is used; the image is drawn on the limestone with an oily medium.
Acid is applied, transferring the oil to the limestone, leaving the image 'burned' into the surface. Gum arabic, a water soluble substance, is then applied, sealing the surface of the stone not covered with the drawing medium.
The stone is wetted, with water staying only on the surface not covered in oil-based residue of the drawing; the stone is then 'rolled up', meaning greasy ink is applied with a roller covering the entire surface; since water repels the grease in the ink, the ink adheres only to the oily parts, perfectly inking the image.
A sheet of wet paper is placed on the surface, and the image is transferred to the paper by the pressure of the printing press. Lithography is known for its ability to capture fine gradations in shading and very small detail.
A variant is photo-lithography, in which the image is captured by photographic processes on metal plates; printing is carried out in the same way.
Artists: Joan Miró, Odilan Redon, Edvard Munch, Emil Nolde, George Bellows, Stuart Davis, Pablo Picasso, Willem de Kooning, Vija Clemins, Terry Winters, and Elizabeth Peyton.
Silk-screening
Screen-printing or silk-screening creates bold color using a stencil technique.
The artist draws an image on a piece of paper (plastic film can also be used.)
The image is cut out creating a stencil.
(Keep in mind the pieces that are cut away are the areas that will be colored.)
A screen is made of a piece of fabric (originally silk) stretched over a wood frame. The stencil is affixed to the screen.
The screen is then placed on top of a piece of dry paper or fabric.
Ink is then placed across the top length of the screen.
A squeegee (rubber blade) is used to spread the ink across the screen, over the stencil, and onto the paper/fabric.
The screen is lifted and the image is now transferred onto the paper/fabric.
Each color requires a separate stencil. The screen can be re-used after cleaning.
Artists: Andy Warhol, Ralston Crawford, Josef Albers, Bridget Riley, Roy Lichtenstein, Edward Ruscha, Robert Indiana, Blinky Palermo, Julian Opie, and Chuck Close.
With each technique the original plate can be used to create multiple prints.
The plate is simply re-inked and a new sheet of paper is run through the press. Often times in printmaking the artist considers the process equally as important as the final product.
These complicated processes often require the assistance of another person with clean hands to handle the paper.
See also
Printmakers
Spellings may vary.
17th-century print publishers in Britain
Peter Stent, Robert Walton, John Overton
Further Information
- Bamber Gascoigne: How to Identify Prints: A Complete Guide to Manual and Mechanical Processes from Woodcut to Inkjet ( ISBN: 0500284806 )
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American Print Alliance
Information and resources about original prints, paperworks and artists' books for creators and collectors, including a gallery, exhibits, technical articles and index to their journal "Contemporary Impressions." The Alliance is a non-profit consortium of printmakers' councils.
http://www.printalliance.org
California Society of Printmakers
A non-profit arts organization which promotes the appreciation of prints and printmaking.
http://www.art2u.com/CSP/
Print Council of America
Includes a variety of resources for the study of woodcuts, engravings, etchings, lithographs, and screenprints.
http://www.printcouncil.org/
California Fine Arts
Fine art prints, appraisal service, trading options and framing services from a gallery based in Florida. Site features a glossary of printmaking terms.
http://www.art4sale.com/
Riverside Studio
A printmaking studio in Elora, Ontario, Canada which specializes in relief and intaglio printing. Master printer is Stu Oxley. Studio location and facilities, list of client artists, and FAQs for intaglio and relief printmaking.
http://www.stuoxley.com/
Printhouse Art Gallery and Workshop
A program of the Brass Ring Society Inc., dedicated to the promotion of original prints, printmaking and printmakers, and to raising money for children with terminal or life threatening illnesses.
http://www.printhousegallery.org/
Limited Edition Graphics
Features a diverse international selection of uncommon late 19th and 20th century prints for sale. Strengths are French fin de siecle prints, a selection of German prints from the first half of the 20th Century and prints by selected later artists.
http://www.wolman-prints.com/
What Is A Print?
A discussion of print processes and terms, from the Philadelphia Printshop, Ltd.
http://www.philaprintshop.com/whataprt.html
Printing Without a Press
"Kitchen table" printmaking using inexpensive materials, and how to simulate several traditional printmaking techniques using a xerographic copier machine.
http://www.angelfire.com/yt/modot/printmakingstuff.html
Fine Art Printmaking
Major developments have taken place with the introduction of digital images. This site contains information on new and traditional printmaking techniques. There is also a gallery showing examples.
http://www.flemings.u-net.com
Printmaker's WebRing
A webring for pages devoted to the fine art of printmaking and prints.
http://f.webring.com/hub?ring=print
Lies, Damn Lies, and Giclee Prints
For commercial reasons, some websites are spreading half-truths about the giclee technique. Here you can find some clarifications.
http://giclee.netfirms.com/
Strictly Limited Editions
Publishes and sells signed and numbered fine art prints. Includes artist biographies, some sample images, and terms of payment.
http://strictlylimited.com/
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