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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.
1 Essential printmaking terms
- Baren 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 proofAn artist's proof is a single print taken in the printmaking process to see the current printing state of a plate while the plate (or stone, or woodblock. is being worked on by the artist. Rembrandt's etchings are notorious for having many artist's proofs. This is placed at the bottom left hand corner of a print that is not part of an edition.
2 Techniques
The four most popular printmaking techniques are woodcutA woodcut is a method of printing in which an image is carved into the surface of a piece of wood, with the printing parts remaining level with the surface while the non-printing parts are removed, typically with chisels. The image is then inked by rollin, etchingEtching is an intaglio method of printmaking in which the image is incised into the surface of a metal plate with acid. The acid eats the metal, leaving behind roughened areas, or if the surface exposed to the acid is very narrow, burning a line into the, lithographyLithography is a method for printing on a smooth surface, as well as a method of manufacturing semiconductor and MEMS devices. Printing The Principle Lithography as a manual process is based on the repulsion of oil and water. The image is placed on the su, and screen-printingScreen-printing also known as silkscreening or serigraphy is a printmaking technique that creates a sharp-edged single- color image using a stencil and a porous fabric. A screenprint or serigraph is an image created using this technique. It began as an in.
These techniques can also be combined.
Some other printmaking techniques are chine-colléChine-coll is a special technique in printmaking in which the image is transferred to a surface that is bonded to a heavier support in the printing process. The purpose is to allow the printmaker to print on a much more delicate surface, such as rice pape, collographyThis article is not about calligraphy . If you want information about calligraphy, see calligraphy. Collography is a printmaking process in which materials are applied to a rigid substrate (such as cardboard or wood), ink is applied to the resulting colla, monotyping, engraving, drypoint, mezzotint, linocut, aquatint and batiking .
2.1 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 baren (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 , Margaret Preston and Willie Cole .
